Mayor Farrell approves $1M for Huntington emergency shelter in partnership with Valley Health Services

Huntington's Finance Committee has taken a significant step towards enhancing emergency shelter services in the city. During a meeting on April 28, 2025, the committee approved a resolution that authorizes the mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Valley Health Services Inc. for the construction and operation of a new facility at 96 Third Avenue West. This facility aims to provide emergency shelter, integrated homelessness care, and addiction treatment services.

The resolution outlines three key actions: the expenditure of available opioid settlement funds, the establishment of the MOU with Valley Health Services for the facility's renovation and operation, and the redirection of previously approved operational funding from the Huntington City Mission to the new facility once it becomes operational. Mayor Steve Farrell emphasized the urgency of fast-tracking this project to ensure timely construction and improved services for clients, particularly as winter approaches.

Committee members raised concerns about the implications of redirecting funds from the City Mission, questioning the potential for mismanagement if leadership at Valley Health Services were to change. Mayor Farrell reassured the committee that the city would retain oversight of funding, ensuring that the transition to the new facility would be managed responsibly and transparently.

The resolution is expected to allocate up to $1 million from opioid settlement funds to Valley Health Services, with the understanding that the City Mission will continue to receive support until the new facility is operational. This strategic move aims to streamline services for the homeless population in Huntington, addressing both immediate needs and long-term care.

As the city prepares for the next fiscal year, the Finance Committee's decisions reflect a commitment to enhancing community support systems and addressing homelessness effectively. The approval of this resolution marks a crucial step forward in Huntington's efforts to provide comprehensive care for its most vulnerable residents.