On Sunday, The Change Initiative of West Virginia along with help from other area agencies opened the doors of Disciples of Christ Church as an emergency shelter to homeless and those in need while also providing a hot meal to eat.

Those seeking a warm dry place to stay could use the services provided by The Change Initiative, air mattresses and blankets were provided for people to use at the shelter. A church group came from Pennsylvania to help by preparing meals to those utilizing services that the shelter has to offer. The initiative is still needing supplies like snack foods, socks, gloves, and new undergarments to give to the needy.  

“The community can defiantly come and just, they’re welcome to come see what we’re doing, they’re welcome to come volunteer. And they can make any sort of donations, they can come help serve dinner, they can come help us set up,” said Jenna Alastanos, volunteer with The Change Initiative of West Virginia

Volunteers said they enjoy helping others and building relationships and lending a helping hand seeing people in permanent housing and embracing a sober living lifestyle.  

“We do have quite a few success stories, we have somebody in sober living right now and he is doing amazing, he is working, and I consider him a great friend, a really, really great friend and I cannot be more proud of him. And he actually comes and volunteers with us and I think others get hope out of him, seeing him being successful. So, hopefully others will follow in his footsteps, and its just great,” said Alastanos.  

The Change Initiative said they can always use more volunteers to help lend a hand in supporting the efforts and creating a positive change in the community.