Shelter operator EPIC says Martinsburg facility is full, asks county for maintenance funding

An EPIC representative told the Berkeley County Commission that the Martinsburg shelter for victims of domestic violence has been at capacity nearly every night since 2017 and currently has 47 people on a wait list.

"We can fit 16 at a time … and we have been full every single night since 2017," the EPIC representative said, describing roughly 6,000 shelter nights per year and average stays of two to four months. The presenter said eight pipes burst during recent cold weather, forcing an emergency evacuation and temporary placements for residents.

EPIC outlined core funding sources including VOCA (federal/state split) and state SASP awards and said federal rapid‑rehousing funds cover six units the organization manages. Commissioners asked how EPIC differs from other providers; the presenter said EPIC serves survivors of domestic violence, assault, stalking and human trafficking and can serve men as well as women and children, whereas other shelters focus primarily on homelessness or different client mixes.

The EPIC representative also described work with the statewide human‑trafficking task force and a Fusion Center collaboration to pursue a grant that would fund law enforcement, prosecution and victim services.

Commissioners asked about prior local support; the EPIC presenter confirmed small past county awards and invited commissioners to tour the shelter. Several board members expressed appreciation for the organization’s work and said they would consider the funding request without committing to a vote during the meeting.