A packed crowd at Parkersburg’s town hall on Tuesday highlighted the city’s ongoing battle with homelessness. Initially planned for a large conference room, the event quickly outgrew the space, moving to the Parkersburg City Council chambers to accommodate the over 140 attendees.
Organized by City Council members Zak Huffman and Wendy Tuck, the town hall featured a panel of experts, many of whom have personal experience with homelessness or are actively working in organizations to help those in need.
“My biggest goal with the Mission is for us to break the cycle of homelessness,” said Natasha Robertson, shelter manager at Latrobe Street Mission. “It’s not just about getting someone off the street or putting them in an apartment—that’s just the beginning.”
Also on the panel was Moon King, a West Virginia University student who dedicates his free time as a street missionary. He emphasized the importance of compassion when addressing homelessness. “In our communities, when we see someone different from us, we often react with fear,” King said. “The true measure of an advanced society is how it treats its most vulnerable.”
Panelists included Aaron Hammond, director of recovery ministry at The Gathering church; Pastor Melody Smith; Lt. Anthony Rowe of the Salvation Army of Parkersburg; Shane Modesitt from Clean and Clear Advantage Recovery; Tim Baer from Westbrook Health Services; Daulton DuVall of Westbrook’s Connections initiative; and Dawn Werry and Beth Little from the West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness.
“The size of this room is proof that our community has compassion,” said Baer, acknowledging the large turnout.
Werry echoed this sentiment, adding, “We all want to come together with a unified front to overcome the barriers and obstacles we each face.”
A survey conducted by the West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness revealed that there are more than 200 homeless individuals in Wood County, but the region has only 40 to 60 available shelter beds, which are often full.
The discussion focused on several key areas including housing, job security, mental and physical health, and safety. Community members expressed their desire to provide meaningful support and help individuals reintegrate into society. With the growing issue of homelessness in the area, residents and experts alike called for more resources and a collective effort to break the cycle of homelessness for good.
