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Parkersburg Shelter Faces Surge in Demand

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/01/28/parkersburg-shelter-faces-surge-in-demand.html
  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 19:47 GMT by TheNewsCenter
      Locales: Ohio, West Virginia, UNITED STATES

PARKERSBURG, WV - January 29, 2026 - As temperatures plummet and the grip of winter tightens, Parkersburg's House of Home Day Shelter is grappling with a significant increase in demand for its vital services. The shelter, a crucial resource for individuals experiencing homelessness in the area, is appealing to the community for urgent support to continue providing shelter, meals, and a lifeline to those most vulnerable.

Shelly Hess, director of the House of Home Day Shelter, described the current situation as a substantial surge in need. "We are seeing a lot more people needing our services," she stated. "We're just trying to meet those needs, and it's becoming increasingly difficult without additional resources."

The House of Home Day Shelter, located at 1308 Market Street, offers a safe haven and essential support to individuals and families without stable housing. Beyond providing a warm place to escape the harsh winter conditions, the shelter delivers nutritious meals and aims to connect individuals with resources to help them regain independence. This includes assistance with accessing healthcare, job training, and permanent housing options. The shelter acts as a central hub, attempting to address the complex challenges contributing to homelessness - challenges that are demonstrably worsening with the current economic climate and limited affordable housing availability in Parkersburg.

While the shelter receives some funding through grants and local partnerships, these resources are increasingly strained. The recent uptick in demand, driven by a combination of factors including rising living costs, job losses, and mental health concerns, has put a significant strain on the shelter's already limited supplies. Hess emphasized the critical need for community involvement. "We need volunteers. We need donations of warm clothing, non-perishable food items, and financial contributions," she explained. "All of that helps us keep the doors open and the lights on."

The specific needs are diverse and constantly evolving, but currently, warm clothing - hats, gloves, scarves, coats, and socks - are in particularly high demand. Non-perishable food items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and cereal are crucial for providing regular meals. However, financial donations are equally important, allowing the shelter to purchase essential supplies, cover utility costs, and address unforeseen expenses. Every dollar donated directly impacts the shelter's ability to provide care.

The rise in homelessness is a growing national concern, and Parkersburg is not immune to this trend. Local advocates point to the increasing gap between wages and housing costs, as well as a shortage of accessible mental health and addiction services, as major contributing factors. The House of Home Day Shelter plays a crucial role in mitigating the immediate effects of homelessness, but addressing the root causes requires a broader community effort.

"It's not just about providing a bed for the night," Hess stated. "It's about offering compassion, support, and a pathway to a better future." The shelter's staff and volunteers work tirelessly to build relationships with individuals, understand their unique needs, and connect them with the resources they need to rebuild their lives.

Those interested in volunteering their time or making a donation can contact the House of Home Day Shelter at 304-485-9724. Even a small contribution can make a significant difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Parkersburg. As the winter months continue, the shelter's ability to meet the growing demand hinges on the generosity and support of the community. The House of Home is more than just a shelter; it's a beacon of hope for those who need it most.