The health and safety of our communities is our priority. We know you may have questions about what United Way of Southern West Virginia is doing to keep the community healthy. We want to share the actions we’re taking to help protect our neighbors — and what you can do to help.

• United Way of Southern West Virginia is continuing to serve as a hub of Information and Referral for individuals and families finding themselves in a time of crisis. Through our operation of the Southern West Virginia 2-1-1 Hotline, we are meeting the needs of folks in our community consistently.
• We have cancelled all events and public gatherings involving large groups of people, effective immediately. We feel it is our responsibility as a community leader to follow the guidelines being set forth by the CDC and our local Health Departments.
• We are gathering and organizing information on how our most vulnerable community members – our children and seniors – are being taken care of during this uncertain time. Please continue to check our Facebook page and websites for up to date resource information involving our local community.
• United Way Worldwide is continuously updating this webpage with up to date information regarding the progression of COVID-19’s effects on our communities.
• We are constantly repeating the advice of our public health officials, including
  • Wash hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • If you are feeling ill, please refrain from entering public spaces, except to seek medical care.  Click here for what to do if you are sick.
  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Additionally, we are modifying our in-person office operations in order to protect our staff as much as possible. Many of our staff have immunocompromised family members and we do not want to risk third-party exposure. Out of an abundance of caution, we are not receiving guests or walk-in clients in our Beckley office at this time. Staff will be staggering hours of  in-office work, and will be working remotely as much as possible to ensure we are doing our part in slowing the spread of any existing COVID-19 in our community.

Staff are available by e-mail, and by phone at 304-253-2111. Voicemails will be checked frequently. A full roster of staff e-mail addresses may be found here.

We remain hopeful that our community will support each other now, and in the after-math of this unprecedented event. Our partner non-profit agencies, local businesses, schools, and community organizations will need as much support possible as the economic effects of this devastating virus will surely be felt here in southern West Virginia. We are encouraging all volunteers and donors to remain connected with United Way through social media, and to know we are doing all we can to support our community during this time.