MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia First Foundation, the organization established to distribute nearly $1 billion in opioid settlement money, has opened the first round of applications.
Applications are open to certified non-profit organizations that address the stated priorities in the first round. The deadline for non-profits to submit questions is Sept. 13, the deadline for the foundation to respond to questions is Sept. 20, and the application deadline is Oct. 5, 2024.
Monongalia County Commissioner Tom Bloom said the total released is $19.2 million statewide, and the first application window for funds is relatively narrow.
“This is the first round of funding for our region (Region 4), which is $3.2 million,” Bloom said. “We have 30-days to work on writing grants and applying for those funds immediately from the state.”
The priorities for this round of grants will be diversion programs, youth prevention, child advocacy centers/neonatal abstinence programs, and expansion of transitional or recovery housing programs. Bloom said many needs in the community are perfectly aligned with the priorities of this round of funding.
“I’m going to talk to the Monongalia County Commission and ask if we can meet next week to do a joint program to see what we can do for recovery housing expansion,” Bloom said.
Specifically, Bloom wants to pursue an application for funds to expand transitional or recovery housing options with the city of Morgantown. Bloom said some preliminary talks have been held, and he hopes to have a meeting with the city next week.
“This is a perfect time for us to work together,” Bloom said. “I’ve already talked to Kim (Haws), and he wants to work with us on a joint grant proposal.”
Homeless issues and housing have been polarizing issues in the community, and Bloom expects to see a wave of applications from many who have protested policies related to panhandling and camping in urban areas.
“Those groups that have been going in front of city council and have talked that they want to do something—action speaks louder than words,” Bloom said. “They can just apply for these funds, and I think it’s very important for these groups to do that.”