Basic Needs
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major adjustments and changes for all of us. Despite these changes, we all need basic necessities like food, shelter, medication and access to healthcare. Below are resources for West Virginians who need help making ends meet during this difficult time. If you need basic necessities like food, or help through charitable organizations, there is help available. Below are two ways that you can find assistance.
West Virginia 211 – Call, Text, or Chat
2-1-1 connects callers with health and human services resources through trained, certified specialists. Anyone can call 2-1-1 to learn about specific programs, intake requirements, eligibility, operation hours and more.
Operated by the United Ways of West Virginia, provides an important service to West Virginians by helping users navigate the vast number of resources available to aid with healthcare issues, food shortages, mental health questions and more. This program is more important now than ever as we battle the COVID-19 pandemic and I commend United Way for continuing to serve their fellow West Virginians through this time.
To utilize these resources West Virginians can:
- Call 2-1-1
- Text your zip code to 898-211
- Visit http://www.wv211.org/contact
- Call toll-free 1-833-848-9905
Information For EBT Clients
The West Virginia Office of EBT encourages Mountain State EBT Cardholders and retailers to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by practicing healthy behaviors. Below are some examples:
• Wash your hands and avoid touching your face and others after using Point of Sale (POS) machines, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and money.
RETAILERS
• Clean and disinfect cash registers, POS machines, ATMs, Money, Pens, etc.
• Wash your hands and avoid touching your face and others often after use of cash registers, POS machines, ATMs, Money, Pens, etc.
Call or Email Senator Manchin's Office
Senator Manchin and his staff will try to assist you, no matter your needs. To do that, please call 304-342-5855 and leave a message. A staff member will return your call. You can also email your concerns to common_sense@manchin.senate.gov
Utilities
Many utility companies have made adjustments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Below you can find information collected from the websites of West Virginia utility companies. Customers are urged to verify this information with their utility companies, as it is subject to change.
APCo/WPCo – March 17, 2020
https://appalachianpower.com/info/news/ViewFeaturedStory.aspx?releaseID=5465
• Temporarily suspended all service disconnections for non-payment
FirstEnergy – March 17, 2020
https://www.firstenergycorp.com/help/safety/coronavirus.html
• Discontinued power shutoffs for customers who are past due on their electric bills
Craig Botetourt Electric Cooperative – March 17, 2020
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=3002221819821707&id=261157783928138
• Closed its office to the public
• Members are asked to use conduct business by phone, online, or at the drop box
Dominion Energy – March 16, 2020
https://www.dominionenergy.com/
• Suspended all service disconnections for nonpayment
• Will waive late fees and reconnection fees
• Company is donating $750,000 to nonprofits and $250,000 to Red Cross
Mountaineer Gas Co. – March 17, 2020
http://mountaineergasonline.com/covid-19.html
• Suspended all service disconnections for nonpayment
West Virginia American Water – March 13, 2020
• Discontinuing service shut offs at this time
• Will begin the restoration of service to customers whose service was shut off prior to March 12, 2020
• Will negotiate with wastewater providers to set up a similar moratorium on shut-offs
• Requests that customers utilize online and call center options to address questions and make payments
• Will suspend all non-essential field appointments and limit contact with customers during all emergency field appointments
AlticeUSA (Suddenlink), AT&T, CenturyLink, Charter, Comcast, Frontier, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon (March 13, 2020)
• Will not terminate service to residential or small business customers due to non-payment because of disruptions caused by the pandemic
• Waive late fees that residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the pandemic
• Open its Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them
• Internet customers will not be charged overage fees
** As we receive further information, we will continue to update this page.
Updated April 7, 2020
