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How to Make Blessing Bags in West Virginia: Water, Heat and Cold Tips

A simple guide to packing blessing bags for neighbors without a home in West Virginia, with CDC heat and cold tips and a West Virginia 211 card.

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911Danger or emergency right now988Call or text. Crisis or thinking about suicide. 24 hours211Shelter, food, bills, anything else1 800 799 7233Someone hurting you at home. Text START to 88788

Start here

Hi friend. A small bag with water, snacks and a few basics can mean a lot to someone on the street. In West Virginia the winters get cold, so pack smart and keep it simple.

Dial 211Call or text 988

Quick answers

What should I add for hot weather?

Water matters most. CDC says to drink water regularly and start before you feel thirsty. Add a note about cooled places like libraries. Cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting are signs to get medical care right away.

Official page: cdc.gov/heat-health/risk-factors/heat-and-low-income.html

What should I add for cold weather?

CDC suggests a hat, mittens or gloves, a scarf, and water resistant boots, in loose layers. Keep fingers, toes, ears and nose covered and dry. Shivering, confusion, fumbling hands, slurred speech or drowsiness are warning signs of hypothermia, which is a medical emergency.

Official page: cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/index.html

What info card should I include?

Write a small card that says: West Virginia 211, dial 211 or text your zip code to 898211. Add 988 for crisis support, and 1 844 HELP4WV for addiction or mental health help.

Official page: wv211.org

Can I add a number for a local meal or shelter?

Yes. In Huntington, the Mission lists Coordinated Entry at Harmony House, 304 523 2764. In Charleston, Sojourner's Shelter is 304 340 3562. Always call first to be sure the details are still right.

Official page: hcmwv.org/emergency-shelter

Where can I drop off extra items?

Huntington City Mission accepts non perishable food, gently used clothing, new undergarments and new hygiene items. Call its Donations Department at 304 523 0293, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Official page: hcmwv.org/how-we-help

Your next steps

Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.

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All done. You are ready, friend.

Bunkly tip: in winter, add dry socks and hand warmers. In summer, add an extra bottle of water and skip anything that melts.

Who to call in West Virginia

Here are official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.

More help in West Virginia

Housing help in West Virginia (rent, eviction, utilities)Find Help in West Virginia: Where to Start with 211, SNAP, Medicaid and 988Emergency Shelter Tonight in West Virginia: Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown and How to Get HelpNo cost Food Help in West Virginia: SNAP, WIC and Food BanksNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in West VirginiaNo cost Job Help and Job Training in West VirginiaNo cost and Low Cost Health and Mental Health Care in West VirginiaNo cost Domestic Violence Help in West Virginia: Hotlines, Legal Help and Safe HousingNo cost Help for Veterans in West Virginia: Housing, VA Care and Crisis SupportNo cost Help for Youth and Young Adults in West Virginia: Safe Places, Crisis Lines and School RightsGetting ID and Documents Back in West Virginia: DMV ID Card, Birth Certificate and MoreNo cost and Low Cost Phones and Internet in West Virginia: Lifeline and LibrariesNo cost Legal and Tenant Help in West Virginia: Evictions, Repairs and Fair Housing

Sources last checked Oct 28, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.

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