Rent Assistance in West Virginia

Last checked: November 2026. Benefits Explorer is a directory. We do not provide rent money or decide who gets help, and each program makes its own decisions.

West Virginia's main public source of prevention money is the Emergency Solutions Grant, run by the state's Community Advancement and Development office. The office serves no one directly. It funds local agencies in all 55 counties, including housing and utility assistance for people at imminent risk of losing their homes, and its Continuums of Care coverage map shows the provider for your county.

Eviction moves fast here. Legal Aid WV says a landlord likely does not have to give notice before filing over unpaid rent, and a hearing can be set within 10 business days. If you are behind, call for help before papers arrive.

We could not verify a current citywide or county rent program from an official page for Charleston, Huntington or Morgantown, so your county's ESG provider and Community Action Agency are the places to start.

Where to Start in West Virginia

West Virginia Emergency Solutions Grant

HUD-funded homelessness prevention, including housing and utility assistance for people at imminent risk, plus rapid rehousing and shelter. The state office gives no direct services, so use the Continuums of Care coverage map on its site to find your county's provider and check eligibility.

Visit website · Phone: (304) 558-2234 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

West Virginia Community Action Agencies

The state says there are 15 agencies funded through the Community Services Block Grant, and that people needing help should contact their local agency directly. The grant funds agencies, not individuals. The state's page does not mention rent, so ask what yours offers. Call the state office for your agency's contact details.

Visit website · Phone: 800-982-3386 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

West Virginia 211

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Dial 2-1-1, text your zip code to 898-211, or use this toll-free number if 2-1-1 does not connect from a VoIP or Wi-Fi calling phone.

Visit website · Phone: 1-833-848-9905 · Accepting applications when last checked

West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness

Statewide nonprofit working with agencies on homelessness, including the Balance of State Continuum of Care. Its site has a need-help contact route.

Visit website · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Local Rent Help in West Virginia

CHANGE, Inc. (Hancock, Brooke, Ohio and Marshall counties)

A northern panhandle agency in Weirton whose supportive services list assistance with housing, food and income stability, along with housing counseling. Its site does not name a rent payment program, so ask what it can pay for now.

Visit website · Phone: 304-797-7733 · Call or check the website to confirm it is open

Facing Eviction in West Virginia?

A West Virginia landlord must go to court to evict, and cannot lock you out or shut off utilities without an order. Legal Aid WV says notice likely is not required before filing over a lease violation such as unpaid rent. The case is a Wrongful Occupation action in magistrate court, with a hearing set no more than 10 business days after filing, and papers may arrive only a day or two before it. After a loss, the judge sets a move-out date, and the sheriff may oversee removal after a writ of possession. Read the official guidance

Free or low-cost legal help: Legal Aid of West Virginia. Civil legal help for vulnerable West Virginians facing problems including eviction, living conditions and housing discrimination. Apply online or call the helpline. Its eligibility rules are on its site. Visit website · Phone: 866-255-4370

This page is general information, not legal advice. Don't ignore a notice or court papers, because eviction deadlines can be short.

More Help in West Virginia

Want other options? See our full rent assistance guide, including how to spot a scam, or see your options. That form is not an application for rent assistance. If you submit it, Benefits Explorer and its partners may contact you.

West Virginia Rent Assistance Questions

Can paying the back rent end a West Virginia eviction case?

Often, if unpaid rent is the only reason. Legal Aid WV explains that WV Code 37-6-23 lets a tenant who pays before trial end the case, but you must pay all back rent, lease late fees and court costs by cash, money order or certified check. A lease can include language overriding this right.

Where do I find rent help in my West Virginia county?

Use the Continuums of Care coverage map on the state's Emergency Solutions Grant page to find your county's provider, then ask about homelessness prevention. West Virginia 211 and your Community Action Agency can also point you to local help.

Rent Assistance in Nearby States

Most programs only help people who live in their state. If you are moving or live near a state line, you can also check:

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