A powerful and emotional town hall focused on homelessness drew a crowd so large on Tuesday that it had to be moved from a conference room into the Parkersburg City Council chambers. Organized by City Council members Zak Huffman and Wendy Tuck, the event welcomed more than 140 attendees, all seeking to better understand and help solve one of the city’s most pressing challenges.
The town hall brought together a diverse and experienced panel of individuals, many of whom have either overcome homelessness and addiction or now work daily to support those still battling those issues. Their goal was to bring awareness, offer insights, and spark unified efforts in addressing the root causes of homelessness in Wood County and beyond.
Natasha Robertson, the shelter manager and assistant director at Latrobe Street Mission, emphasized that solving homelessness goes far beyond simply providing shelter. “My biggest goal with the Mission is for us to help break the cycle of homelessness,” she said. “It’s not just putting them in an apartment or getting them off the street. That’s where you start.”
Robertson and others highlighted the multi-layered challenges people face when trying to escape homelessness, including mental health issues, substance use disorders, unemployment, and a lack of affordable housing.
One of the youngest voices on the panel, West Virginia University student Moon King, shared a compelling message about compassion and inclusion. King works as a street missionary in his free time and challenged the audience to examine their reactions to people who may look or live differently.
“In our communities, when we see someone who doesn’t look like us, act like us or live like us, we often can react in negative ways out of fear,” he said. “The true measure of an advanced society is found in how it treats its most vulnerable.”
Panelists included Aaron Hammond, recovery ministry director at The Gathering church; Pastor Melody Smith; Lt. Anthony Rowe of the Salvation Army of Parkersburg; Shane Modesitt of Clean and Clear Advantage Recovery; Tim Baer of Westbrook Health Services; Daulton DuVall with Westbrook’s Connections initiative; and Dawn Werry and Beth Little from the West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness.
Tim Baer, whose organization provides mental health and addiction recovery services, pointed to the turnout as evidence of a community that cares deeply. “The size of this room is evidence that this community isn’t lacking any compassion,” he said.
From the panelists to the members of the audience, one common theme echoed throughout the evening—collaboration. “We all want to come together with a unified front to overcome the barriers and obstacles that we each face,” said Dawn Werry.
Housing shortages were a central concern, especially in light of a recent survey by the West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness that revealed over 200 individuals in Wood County are currently homeless. Yet, the area only has 40 to 60 shelter beds available on any given night, and those are almost always full.
The discussion also turned to other significant factors such as job security, physical and mental healthcare, and safety. Attendees voiced their desire for real, sustainable solutions—ones that not only offer short-term relief but help people get back on their feet permanently. Many called for expanded mental health services, increased access to job training programs, and investment in affordable housing options.
For some panelists, their mission is not just professional—it’s personal. Their lived experiences allow them to connect on a deeper level with those they serve and remind others in the community that homelessness can happen to anyone.
The event made clear that while challenges remain steep, there is no shortage of passion or empathy among Parkersburg residents. With community involvement, informed policy decisions, and continued collaboration between local organizations, the hope is that meaningful change can come to those most in need.
As the town hall wrapped up, many in attendance stayed to ask questions and connect with service providers, showing a strong desire to be part of the solution. This event was not just a meeting—it was a message: Parkersburg is ready to face homelessness head-on, together.
