Morgantown organization assisting those in need for two decades
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia Housing Development Fund is honored to partner with Barlett House on their new West Run Project. The facility, which is located at 10 West Run Road, will help homeless families and individuals get back on their feet by providing them with safe, affordable housing.
The development will include 16 one-bedroom apartments, four two-bedroom apartments, a dining room and many of the amenities found in a typical home. The WVHDF provided a zero percent, 20-year loan in the amount of $2,200,000 through its HOMErent Program. The loan will be forgiven as long as Bartlett House, Inc. develops and operates the project and leases the units to HOME-eligible people and families.
Erica Boggess, the Fund’s Executive Director, attended the facility’s open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“This is a great organization and we’re proud to help them further their mission. Homelessness is a growing problem in West Virginia and across the country,” Boggess said. “Bartlett House helps break the cycle and empowers their clients to make a better life for themselves. They’re making a real difference in their community and we’re excited about this dynamic and vibrant partnership.”
Keri DeMasi, Executive Director of Barlett House, said the new facility helps them better serve those who have been displaced or fallen victim to tough economic times.
“More and more, we are now seeing victims of a sluggish economy. These are not your traditional homeless,” DeMasi said. “Many are entire families, some who have never used any social services before. Our West Run Road location will give them a place to call home during what we all know is a very difficult time.”
Megan Howard, the Fund’s Senior HOME Housing Representative, along with many other in the Fund’s Clarksburg office, helped Bartlett House officials understand the HOMErent Program and what they needed to do to obtain the funding.
“This has been a long process, but I think Keri’s passion is what brought us along and I’m glad we could see this through. Access to safe, affordable housing does not stop at homeowners,” Howard said.
The event was sponsored by Clear Mountain Bank, one of the Fund’s lending partners in North Central West Virginia.