The City of Morgantown is announcing the launch of its new “Pathways to Help” initiative, a collaborative partnership focused on providing assistance to those in hardship.
The initiative was presented to the public in mid-December and efforts to expand the platform will take place in the upcoming weeks.
The goal of “Pathways to Help” is to connect residents with essential resources to meet their needs or the needs of others, utilizing services like West Virginia 211 to link individuals with local providers that offer lifesaving and life-changing services in Morgantown and across the state.
The “Pathways to Help” initiative was created in partnership with United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties, Monongalia County, West Virginia University, Mountain Line Transit Authority, Catholic Charities, Main Street Morgantown, the Morgantown Area Partnership and other local agencies.
According to the City of Morgantown’s Public Relations and Communications Director, Brad Riffee, citizens often try to provide assistance to those in hardship, but are unaware of the resources that are available at the local level.
“‘Pathways to Help’ is a platform that we can use to share valuable service provider information with our residents, visitors and local businesses who want to help those in need,” Riffee said. “We all share the common goal of providing long-term solutions to the longstanding social problems that exist in our communities. ‘Pathways to Help’ will give us the opportunity to engage our citizens and deliver the valuable information they need to effectively respond to someone who is experiencing any type of social crisis.”
Riffee added that connecting citizens to agencies that can address the root causes of their social problems is best practice for creating meaningful change in anyone’s life.
In addition to increasing public awareness, partnership opportunities with citizens and major local philanthropic organizations that further support the work of providing health, education, food and housing services are also available. United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties currently funds a network of partners offering a range of community-based programs.
“When we all come together, we can create incredible change in our community,” said Brandi Helms, chief executive officer of United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties. “By donating to United Way, you’re supporting a network of agencies that provide vital services and support to those who need it most.”
Local agencies providing assistance to those in hardship include Catholic Charities, Lauren’s Wish, the Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center, Project Rainbow, The Salvation Army, Christian Help and many others.
Listed resource categories include:
• West Virginia 211
• Recovery Services
• Health Care Services
• Food Resources
• Local Shelter and Housing Resources
• Public Safety Resources
• WVU Resources
• Transportation Services
• Domestic Violence Resources
• Veteran Resources