Emergency Assistance, Resources, and Programs for Seniors in West Virginia

Last updated: August 2025

This guide focuses on practical, step-by-step help for older West Virginians and their caregivers. It starts with emergency options, then moves into money, food, housing, health, caregiving, utility support, and more. Every fact includes a direct link to an official or well-established source.

Quick Help Box (keep this handy)

Use these numbers and links when time matters.

Tip: If you can’t click a link now, dial 211 and ask for help finding the item you need on this list.

How to use this guide

• Start with the Emergency section below for immediate steps.
• Then jump to the section you need: money and food, medical care, caregiving, housing, utilities, transportation, and protections against scams.
• Look for the tables. They summarize “who does what” and how to apply.
• Use the FAQs for West Virginia–specific questions.
• Always check the linked official page before you apply—program details and dates can change.

Emergency help you can use right now

1) Safety or medical crisis

• Call 911 for any life-threatening emergency.
• For mental health or substance use crisis: call or text 988. You’ll reach trained counselors 24/7. For veterans, dial 988, then press 1. Sources: 988 Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org), Veterans Crisis Line (https://www.veteranscrisisline.net)

Reality check: In rural parts of WV, response times can be longer, and cell service may drop. If you can, move to a spot with better signal and keep your phone charged. Save your exact location in your phone’s notes.

2) Abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation

• If you believe an adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited, make a report—even if you’re not 100% sure. West Virginia Adult Protective Services takes reports 24/7 at 1-800-352-6513. Source: WV DHHR Adult Protective Services (https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Services/Pages/Adult-Protective-Services.aspx)
• If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 first.

3) Disaster or severe weather

• Check statewide alerts and guidance from the West Virginia Emergency Management Division. Source: WV EMD (https://emd.wv.gov)
• If a federal disaster is declared, you can apply for Individual Assistance through FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov. Source: FEMA (https://www.disasterassistance.gov)
• For local shelter and mass care, call 211 or check your county emergency management page via WV EMD’s directory (https://emd.wv.gov).

Tip: Keep a paper list of medications, allergies, and doctors in your wallet. FEMA often recommends this for older adults. Source: FEMA Ready Older Adults (https://www.ready.gov/older-adults)

4) No food, no heat, or no electricity

• Food now: call 211 to be directed to the closest pantry or hot-meal site. You can also search by ZIP code at WV 211: https://www.wv211.org
• Utility shutoff or no heat: ask about LIEAP (energy assistance) and emergency help in your county. Source: WV LIEAP (https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Services/familyassistance/Pages/Low-Income-Energy-Assistance-Program.aspx)
• In a heat wave or cold snap, WV 211 can tell you where cooling or warming centers are open.

5) Need a place to stay tonight

• Call 211 to locate open shelters and motel-voucher programs near you. If you are fleeing domestic violence, ask to be connected to a confidential shelter via the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Source: WVCADV (https://wvcadv.org)
• For longer-term housing help, see Housing programs below and the West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness for coordinated entry. Source: WVCEH (https://www.wvceh.org)

6) Can’t afford prescriptions right now

• If you have Medicare, call your pharmacist to ask about a 30-day transition fill, and contact SHIP for plan help. Source: SHIP locator (https://www.shiphelp.org)
• Check manufacturer programs via the Medicine Assistance Tool. Source: MAT (https://www.medicineassistancetool.org)
• NeedyMeds maintains a national database of prescription discounts and patient assistance. Source: NeedyMeds (https://www.needymeds.org)

7) Legal help in a civil emergency

• Eviction, foreclosure, debt collection, benefits denial, elder abuse, or nursing-home issues: contact Legal Aid of West Virginia. Source: https://www.lawv.net

Key emergency programs at a glance

Money, food, and daily living

SNAP (food assistance)

• What it is: Monthly benefit to buy groceries. Seniors with low income and limited savings can qualify. SNAP can be faster in emergencies if you have very little money on hand.
• What it does: Helps pay for food at authorized stores and farmers’ markets; you get an EBT card.
• How to apply: West Virginia SNAP program details and application options are here: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Services/familyassistance/Pages/Supplemental-Nutrition-Assistance-Program-(SNAP).aspx
• Reality check: Turnaround time depends on your situation and the time of year. If you have little to no income or funds, ask about “expedited” processing when you apply. Source: USDA SNAP overview (https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap)

Senior meal programs (home-delivered and group meals)

• What it is: Hot meals at senior centers and home-delivered meals (sometimes known as “Meals on Wheels”) funded through the Aging network.
• What it does: Offers nutrition plus a safety check. Often a waitlist for home-delivered meals exists.
• How to find it: Use the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services to locate your local senior center/AAA network. Source: WV Bureau of Senior Services (https://www.wvseniorservices.gov)

Senior Farmers’ Market coupons (seasonal)

• What it is: Vouchers for fresh produce from farmers’ markets for eligible seniors, usually summer through early fall. In WV these are typically issued through senior centers with the state’s program partners.
• Where to check: West Virginia Department of Agriculture and your local senior center announce distribution each season. Sources: WV Dept. of Agriculture (https://agriculture.wv.gov) and WV Bureau of Senior Services (https://www.wvseniorservices.gov)

Commodity food boxes for seniors (CSFP)

• What it is: Monthly food boxes for low-income seniors 60+. In WV, distribution is coordinated through food banks and local partners.
• Where to check: Mountaineer Food Bank (CSFP “Senior Boxes”) and Facing Hunger Foodbank. Sources: Mountaineer Food Bank (https://www.mountaineerfoodbank.org) and Facing Hunger (https://www.facinghunger.org)

Utility and energy help: LIEAP and weatherization

• LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program)
  • What it is: Bill help for heating (and sometimes crisis help for shutoff/empty tank).
  • Apply/learn more: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Services/familyassistance/Pages/Low-Income-Energy-Assistance-Program.aspx
• Weatherization Assistance Program
  • What it is: Free energy-saving repairs to lower your bills—insulation, sealing drafts, heating system safety.
  • Where to apply: WV’s Weatherization is overseen by the state Office of Economic Opportunity; local agencies do the work. Source: WV OEO Weatherization (https://dhhr.wv.gov/oeo/Pages/Weatherization-Assistance-Program.aspx)

Phone and internet discounts (Lifeline)

• What it is: A federal discount on phone or internet for low-income households.
• How to check eligibility and apply: Lifeline Support (FCC): https://www.lifelinesupport.org
• Note: Program rules can change; the Affordable Connectivity Program’s status has been uncertain since 2024. Always check current updates from the FCC. Source: FCC (https://www.fcc.gov)

Property tax relief: Homestead Exemption (age 65+ or disabled)

• What it is: A reduction in your property’s taxable assessed value for your owner-occupied home.
• Where to learn more and apply: West Virginia State Tax Department—Homestead Exemption. Source: WV Tax Department (https://tax.wv.gov)
• Reality check: You must apply through your county assessor, usually by December 1 for the next tax year. Bring proof of age or disability and residency. Deadlines matter.

Health care and Medicare help

Medicaid for seniors (including long-term services and supports)

• What it is: Health coverage for eligible low-income seniors. West Virginia Medicaid also funds in-home services to help you avoid or delay nursing home placement.
• Key programs:
  • Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW): In-home personal care and support for eligible adults who meet medical and financial criteria. Source: WV Medicaid—ADW (https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms/Programs/WaiverPrograms/ADW/Pages/default.aspx)
  • Nursing facility Medicaid: Covers nursing home care for those who meet medical and financial criteria. Source: WV Bureau for Medical Services (https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms)
• How to apply: Start with your local Department of Human Services office or apply through WV PATH if available in your county. You can find program info via WV BMS (https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms).

Reality check: Waiver programs may have waitlists at times. If you need help while waiting, ask your Area Agency on Aging about state-funded options like Lighthouse and FAIR (below).

State-funded in-home help: Lighthouse and FAIR

• Lighthouse
  • What it is: State-funded in-home help for adults 60+ who need assistance with personal care, mobility, nutrition, and housekeeping. Sliding fee scale.
  • Who runs it: West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services through local senior service providers.
  • Learn more: WV Bureau of Senior Services programs (https://www.wvseniorservices.gov)
• FAIR (Family Alzheimer’s In-Home Respite)
  • What it is: Short-term, in-home respite for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.
  • Learn more: WV Bureau of Senior Services programs (https://www.wvseniorservices.gov)

Tip: Ask your local senior center about availability, waitlists, and how fees are calculated for Lighthouse.

Medicare counseling (SHIP) and fraud protection (SMP)

• SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
  • What it does: Free, unbiased help choosing Medicare plans, checking bills, and understanding coverage.
  • Find your local SHIP: national locator (choose West Virginia): https://www.shiphelp.org
  • WV program information: WV Bureau of Senior Services: https://www.wvseniorservices.gov
• Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
  • What it does: Helps you spot and report Medicare fraud and billing errors.
  • Find WV SMP: national SMP locator: https://www.smpresource.org/locator/

Extra Help with drug costs (Medicare Part D LIS)

• What it is: Social Security’s “Extra Help” lowers premiums, deductibles, and copays for Medicare drug coverage if you qualify.
• How to apply: Social Security Extra Help (https://www.ssa.gov/extrahelp)

Long-Term Care Ombudsman (for nursing homes and assisted living)

• What it is: Independent advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living. They help resolve complaints about care, rights, billing, transfers, and more.
• Who runs it in WV: The statewide Long-Term Care Ombudsman program is administered through Legal Aid of West Virginia. Learn more and find your local ombudsman at Legal Aid WV: https://www.lawv.net

Adult day health and home health

• Adult day health centers: Provide daytime supervision, meals, and activities; some offer health services. Facilities are licensed by the Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification. Source: OHFLAC (https://ohflac.wv.gov)
• Home health agencies: Doctor-ordered nursing, therapy, and aide services. Medicare covers eligible short-term skilled care. Find Medicare-certified agencies: Medicare Care Compare (https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare)

Housing and homelessness prevention

Public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

• What it is: Rent-reduced apartments (public housing) and rent vouchers for private apartments (Section 8) if income-eligible.
• Where to check: HUD’s West Virginia page lists housing authorities and programs by city/county. Source: HUD West Virginia (https://www.hud.gov/states/west_virginia)
• Reality check: Waitlists are common and can close without much notice. Ask about preferences for older adults, people with disabilities, or homeless seniors.

Emergency shelter and longer-term housing support

• If you need shelter now, call 211.
• For coordinated entry to supportive housing in much of WV, contact the West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness. Source: WVCEH (https://www.wvceh.org)

Home repairs for safety (USDA Section 504)

• What it is: Grants and low-interest loans for very low-income homeowners; grants are generally for age 62+ to remove health and safety hazards (e.g., fix broken furnace, repair wiring, accessibility).
• How to apply: Program details: USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants (Section 504): https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants; WV office contact: https://www.rd.usda.gov/wv
• Reality check: The grant funds can run out; apply early and have all documents ready.

Utilities and home energy: what to know

Tip: If you receive a shutoff notice, call the utility immediately. Ask about medical hardship protections and payment plans. Then contact DHHR (for LIEAP crisis) and 211.

Transportation

• Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): If you have West Virginia Medicaid, you can get rides to covered medical visits. Check your Medicaid handbook or call your managed care plan; program details are coordinated through WV Medicaid. Source: WV Bureau for Medical Services (https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms)
• Public transit and senior discounts: Many local transit systems offer reduced fares for older adults; contact your regional transit provider. State transit info: WV Department of Transportation—Transit (https://transportation.wv.gov/transit/Pages/default.aspx)
• VA medical rides: Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and VA facilities often coordinate rides for veterans to VA medical appointments. Sources: VA Facility Directory (WV): https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/state.asp?STATE=WV; DAV Transportation Network: https://www.dav.org/veterans/i-need-a-ride

Reality check: In rural counties, rides can book up fast. Schedule as early as you can and confirm the day before.

Protect your money and identity

• Report scams: Federal Trade Commission—ReportFraud (https://reportfraud.ftc.gov)
• Medicare fraud: Senior Medicare Patrol (https://www.smpresource.org/locator/)
• Elder financial exploitation: Adult Protective Services (1-800-352-6513). Source: APS (https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Services/Pages/Adult-Protective-Services.aspx)

Tip: Never pay fees to apply for government help. Government programs don’t charge application fees.

Inclusive resources: focused help for specific groups

LGBTQ+ seniors

• SAGE National LGBTQ+ Elder Hotline: Confidential support and referrals, 877-360-LGBT (5428). Source: SAGE (https://www.sageusa.org/what-we-do/sage-national-lgbt-elder-hotline/)
• Fairness West Virginia: Statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization; can help connect you to inclusive services. Source: https://fairnesswv.org
• Health care tip: If you’ve faced discrimination, you can file a complaint. HHS Office for Civil Rights: https://www.hhs.gov/ocr

Veteran seniors

• WV Department of Veterans Assistance: Claims help, benefits counseling, and local service offices. Source: https://veterans.wv.gov
• VA health care in WV: Clarksburg, Beckley, Huntington, and Martinsburg VAMCs serve West Virginia veterans; clinics statewide. Source: VA WV facility directory (https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/state.asp?STATE=WV)
• Veteran-directed home services and caregiver supports may be available through VA. Ask the VA medical center’s social work department. Source: VA Caregiver Support (https://www.caregiver.va.gov)

American Indian/Alaska Native elders living in WV

• Note: West Virginia does not have federally recognized tribes; however, Native elders living in WV can still access federal elder and health services when eligible.
• Find Title VI Native Elder programs near WV: ACL Title VI Locator (https://olderindians.acl.gov)
• Find IHS or Tribal health services if you’re eligible: IHS “Find Health Care” (https://www.ihs.gov/findhealthcare)

Rural seniors and limited access areas

• Use 211 to locate mobile pantry schedules, home-delivered meals, and rides.
• Ask your doctor about telehealth, phone-only visits, and mail-order pharmacy.
• If internet is limited, Lifeline can help with phone service. Source: Lifeline (https://www.lifelinesupport.org)
• For home safety repairs, check USDA Section 504 and Weatherization (links above).

Caregiving in West Virginia

Caregiver tip: Keep a one-page “care sheet” with diagnoses, meds, allergies, doctors, insurance numbers, and key contacts. Bring copies to appointments and the ER.

Regional resources across West Virginia

Use these links to pinpoint help in your county or city.

• Find local senior centers and service providers: WV Bureau of Senior Services (directory and program links): https://www.wvseniorservices.gov
• Find help by ZIP code (food, shelter, bills): WV 211: https://www.wv211.org
• Housing authorities and HUD-approved agencies: HUD West Virginia (https://www.hud.gov/states/west_virginia)
• Homeless services (CoC coverage in most counties): West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness (https://www.wvceh.org)
• State emergency alerts and local emergency management links: WV EMD (https://emd.wv.gov)
• Legal Aid office locator and online intake: Legal Aid of West Virginia (https://www.lawv.net)
• VA facilities (Clarksburg, Beckley, Huntington, Martinsburg, plus CBOCs): VA WV directory (https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/state.asp?STATE=WV)
• Public transit providers by region: WV DOT Transit (https://transportation.wv.gov/transit/Pages/default.aspx)
• SNAP, LIEAP, Medicaid applications and county offices: WV Department of Human Services (https://dhhr.wv.gov)

If a link feels confusing, call 211 and ask the specialist to help you navigate to the exact local office or program.

Step-by-step: applying for common programs

1. SNAP

• Gather: ID, proof of West Virginia residency, proof of income, and proof of expenses (rent, utilities, medical).
• Apply: Online/phone/office listed on WV SNAP page (https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Services/familyassistance/Pages/Supplemental-Nutrition-Assistance-Program-(SNAP).aspx).
• Ask about expedited service if you have very low income or resources.

2. LIEAP (and crisis)

• Watch for announcements each winter and for crisis season. Apply early; funding is limited.
• Details and updates: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Services/familyassistance/Pages/Low-Income-Energy-Assistance-Program.aspx

3. Medicaid/ADW

• Start with WV Bureau for Medical Services pages for waiver programs (https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms).
• You will complete both a medical assessment and a financial eligibility review.

4. Lighthouse/FAIR

• Contact your nearest senior center or Area Agency on Aging provider via WV Bureau of Senior Services (https://www.wvseniorservices.gov). Ask about availability and the sliding fee scale.

5. Housing help

• For public housing/Section 8: Check HUD WV for your local housing authority’s website and current waitlist status: https://www.hud.gov/states/west_virginia
• For emergency shelter/rapid re-housing: WVCEH: https://www.wvceh.org and dial 211.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Missed deadlines: LIEAP and property tax homestead exemption have strict dates. Mark calendars and set phone reminders.
• Incomplete applications: Missing documents slow you down. Bring IDs, income proof, and any notices you received.
• Paying for free help: Government programs and SHIP counseling are free. Ignore anyone asking for fees to “speed up” your application.
• Phone-only scams: If someone calls “from Medicare” and asks for your full Medicare number, hang up and call back using the official number on your card.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for West Virginia seniors

Q1: When does LIEAP open in West Virginia?
A: LIEAP usually opens during the winter months, and an Emergency LIEAP (crisis) period often follows. Dates can change each year. Check the official DHHR LIEAP page for current application windows: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Services/familyassistance/Pages/Low-Income-Energy-Assistance-Program.aspx

Q2: How do I report suspected elder abuse or exploitation in WV?
A: If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, call Adult Protective Services’ 24/7 Centralized Intake at 1-800-352-6513. Source: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Services/Pages/Adult-Protective-Services.aspx

Q3: Is there help to stay at home instead of going to a nursing home?
A: Yes. The Medicaid Aged and Disabled Waiver (ADW) provides in-home supports for eligible adults. State-funded Lighthouse can also help for those 60+ on a sliding fee basis. Sources: ADW (https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms/Programs/WaiverPrograms/ADW/Pages/default.aspx), WV Bureau of Senior Services (https://www.wvseniorservices.gov)

Q4: Can I get home-delivered meals if I can’t leave home?
A: Many local senior programs deliver meals to homebound older adults. There can be waitlists. Contact your local senior center via WV Bureau of Senior Services to get on the list: https://www.wvseniorservices.gov

Q5: I can’t afford my Medicare drugs. What should I do?
A: Apply for Extra Help through Social Security: https://www.ssa.gov/extrahelp. A SHIP counselor can also review your plan and look for savings: https://www.shiphelp.org

Q6: How do I appeal a nursing home discharge or care problem?
A: Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program for help. In WV, it’s administered through Legal Aid of West Virginia: https://www.lawv.net

Q7: Where do I find emergency shelter in my county?
A: Dial 211 for the most current openings and referral. For coordinated entry and homelessness resources, see WVCEH: https://www.wvceh.org

Q8: What if my power is about to be shut off?
A: Call your utility company right away to ask about payment plans and medical hardship protections. Then check LIEAP (https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Services/familyassistance/Pages/Low-Income-Energy-Assistance-Program.aspx) and dial 211 for local emergency help.

Q9: Is there a property tax break for seniors in WV?
A: Yes. The Homestead Exemption reduces the taxable valuation of your owner-occupied home if you’re 65+ or permanently disabled. Apply with your county assessor; details: WV Tax Department (https://tax.wv.gov).

Q10: I live in a very rural area. How do I get to appointments?
A: If you have Medicaid, ask about NEMT rides through your plan. Call your local transit provider for senior discounts: https://transportation.wv.gov/transit/Pages/default.aspx. For VA appointments, check VA ride help: https://www.dav.org/veterans/i-need-a-ride

Q11: Who can help me compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans?
A: SHIP counselors provide free, unbiased help. Use the national locator and choose West Virginia: https://www.shiphelp.org

Q12: I lost food due to a power outage. Can SNAP replace it?
A: In some disaster situations, states may approve replacement benefits or Disaster-SNAP (D-SNAP). Check with WV DHHR or your local office and watch DHHR announcements: SNAP page (https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Services/familyassistance/Pages/Supplemental-Nutrition-Assistance-Program-(SNAP).aspx)

Program summaries table

Sources (selected official and well-established sites used throughout)

• West Virginia Department of Human Services programs (SNAP, LIEAP, Medicaid): https://dhhr.wv.gov
• WV Bureau for Medical Services (Medicaid/LTSS): https://dhhr.wv.gov/bms
• WV Bureau of Senior Services: https://www.wvseniorservices.gov
• Adult Protective Services: https://dhhr.wv.gov/bcf/Services/Pages/Adult-Protective-Services.aspx
• WV Emergency Management Division: https://emd.wv.gov
• WV 211: https://www.wv211.org
• HUD West Virginia: https://www.hud.gov/states/west_virginia
• WV Coalition to End Homelessness: https://www.wvceh.org
• Legal Aid of West Virginia: https://www.lawv.net
• USDA Section 504: https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-repair-loans-grants and WV: https://www.rd.usda.gov/wv
• FCC Lifeline: https://www.lifelinesupport.org
• WV Public Service Commission: https://psc.wv.gov
• Medicare SHIP locator: https://www.shiphelp.org
• Senior Medicare Patrol locator: https://www.smpresource.org/locator/
• Social Security Extra Help: https://www.ssa.gov/extrahelp
• 988 Lifeline: https://988lifeline.org
• Veterans Crisis Line: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
• VA WV facilities: https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/state.asp?STATE=WV
• SAGE Hotline: https://www.sageusa.org/what-we-do/sage-national-lgbt-elder-hotline/
• Mountaineer Food Bank: https://www.mountaineerfoodbank.org
• Facing Hunger Foodbank: https://www.facinghunger.org
• Medicine Assistance Tool: https://www.medicineassistancetool.org
• NeedyMeds: https://www.needymeds.org
• FEMA DisasterAssistance.gov: https://www.disasterassistance.gov
• FEMA Ready for Older Adults: https://www.ready.gov/older-adults

Disclaimer

Program funding, eligibility, application windows, and contact details can change. Always verify the latest information on the official program website or by calling the agency linked in this guide. This guide is for general information and is not legal or financial advice.

About this guide

by the GrantsForSeniors.org Editorial Team

The GrantsForSeniors.org editorial team has been building benefit and assistance resources for seniors nationwide since 2020. We research programs across all 50 states by reviewing government websites, checking agency updates, and gathering information from available sources.

Our Commitment to You:

• Experience & Expertise: The information in this guide is compiled and reviewed by a team with experience in senior services and financial aid programs. We are committed to sharing our knowledge to help you find the support you need.
• Authority & Trust: We rely on verified sources, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and official program websites, to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our goal is to be a trusted authority you can rely on for credible information.
• Clarity & Accessibility: We understand that seeking financial assistance can be challenging. This guide is designed to be clear and easy to understand, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps.

While we work hard to provide the most accurate information available, please note that program details and eligibility requirements can change. We recommend always checking with the official program source or agency website for the most current information, as we are not official agencies but rather compile available information.

• Last Updated: August 2025
• Next Review: February 2026

If you find outdated information, discover new resources, or have questions, please contact us at info@grantsforseniors.org. We’re here to help seniors find resources that can make a real difference in their daily lives.