Regional Task Force Advances Homelessness and Addiction Initiatives at February 2026 Meeting

ELKINS, W.Va. — March 9, 2026 — The Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Addiction, and Mental Health convened on the afternoon of February 26, 2026, at the Phil Gainer Community Center, bringing together local officials and community partners to address ongoing challenges in North Central West Virginia. The Task Force’s chair, Dave Parker, called the meeting to order.

Public Engagement

The Task Force reported strong community interest following the most recent Public Forum, which drew good attendance and positive interaction. The event was livestreamed via Elkins City Hall’s Facebook and YouTube platforms, expanding its reach. Guest speakers specializing in addiction recovery received favorable responses from attendees. Moving forward, the Task Force plans to hold these Public Forums every six months to maintain community engagement.

Icelandic Model Implementation

Scott Baker provided the Task updates on the Icelandic Model implementation, an evidence-based prevention approach. Training has already launched with plans to implement the program in three counties while maintaining three control counties for comparison.

Warming Shelter Use During Extreme Weather

The regional warming shelter has served 17 individuals over a two-week period, demonstrating continued need for emergency housing resources as winter conditions persist.

Transportation Program Development

The Task Force is actively pursuing transportation grant opportunities to address mobility barriers. Proposed program elements include:

• Transporting children to and from activities
• Peer support accompaniment to treatment facilities
• A donated vehicle program with dependable drivers
• Potential veteran volunteer drivers on a rotating on-call basis
• Ride-along partners from the recovery community, including peers in training who could earn community service hours and recovery residents

Community Partner Updates

Family Resource Network reported on its Baby Pantry program and announced community meetings held on the third Thursday of each month, alternating between in-person at the Phil Gainer Center and Zoom. Resource guides for each county are available at wvfrn.com, with monthly training courses offered. Organizations may sign up to provide or request training, with a planned community meeting scheduled for September.

Valley Health Care announced a Mental Health Awareness event planned for May, while the Salvation Army reported active hiring efforts.

Next Meeting

The Task Force will meet next on March 26, 2026, at 1:00 pm at the Phil Gainer Community Center, with discussion topics focused on Mental Health Services and Transportation for treatment purposes.

About the Regional Task Force on Addiction, Homelessness, and Mental Health:

Established in May 2021, this task force brings together local officials, law enforcement, and community organizations to address homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health needs; it meets monthly in Elkins, WV. The Task Force strives to identify gaps in services, coordinate resources, and implement sustainable solutions to these challenges in North Central West Virginia—including identifying peer recovery support specialists (PRSS), safe sober-living spaces, and expanded recovery facilities.

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