HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Phase 1 of the Huntington Homeless Services Hub is set to open Saturday.
The idea for the Hub first came from Huntington Mayor Patrick Farrell soon after taking office in January. He said Tuesday during an appearance on MetroNews Midday he remembers how cold it was and he was getting calls about the city not having enough beds to provide shelter for the homeless.
The idea for the Hub, which has a community dinner and open house scheduled for Tuesday night, came from that need, Farrell said.
“The Hub can provide a place where the people can come, they don’t have to sleep on the streets, and then hopefully we connect them to the help they really need,” Farrell said.
The Hub, located at 96 3rd Avenue West, will eventually be more than just a place to get out of the cold.
“This is really is about finding the right kind of help, finding the right kind of bed, a transition point for people to get into mental health treatment, to get into addiction treatment and to get into permanent housing,” Farrell said. “This is not a place where they are going to come for long-term care, for an encampment, for a drug den, this is a real path.”
Valley Health Systems oversaw the construction of Phase 1. The city is also partnering with the Cabell-Huntington Health Department, Prestera Health Services, Harmony House and Marshall Health Network. Farrell said more help will be needed as the Hub grows.
“For those organizations that said they wanted to help–now is the time to test that,” Farrell said. “This is a new approach to homelessness and we can do these things only if we work together.
The city said community organizations and residents who would like to partner with the Hub to provide services, food, supplies, or donations are encouraged to email TheHub@valleyhealth.org