MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The evolution of the delivery of social services continues in Monongalia County. About three years ago a group of local leaders established Hazel’s House of Hope on Scott Avenue as a clearinghouse for social services in the community.

The facility is owned by Morgantown Community Resources and is now managed by the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties and Director of Operations Jessica Thompson.

Now, Thompson hopes other agencies will consider scheduling availability within their facility for those in need.

“Such as Legal Aid, the Morgantown-Fairmont Housing Authority to be onsite for one day a week,” Thompson said on WAJR’s “Talk of the Town.” “The DMV, if possible, and the state Department of Health and Human Resources.”

The facility is also home to Grace Shelter, operated by Catholic Charities, which offers about 20 beds for those in need. The shelter is a low-barrier model that allows just about anyone in to access the services.

“You can present at our door if you are in need of a bed, if you might be intoxicated, or if you might be under the influence or having a mental health crisis,” Thompson said. “It would not prevent you from getting a bed if one is available.”

Through a $1,194,000 grant from the office of U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., the main entrance is being completely refitted. The improvements include a revamped lobby, ADA access, parking lot paving, windows, and a fresh coat of paint.

“Remodeling the lobby entrance and adding an elevator lift so we can get ADA accessibility up to the second-floor ballroom area,” Thompson said.

The renovations will open more area for operations for more agencies to bring services to those in need.

“Any organization interested in relocating or having an outreach office, please reach out to me,” Thompson said. “We can build out that space for them.”

Thompson said she has seen the results of their work over the last year in her role with Catholic Charities West Virginia and believes they can serve more with the expansion.

“It can go from those in active addiction to elderly people that have families that no longer want to take care of them,” Thompson said. “Placing those individuals in their own homes brings a smile to your face.”