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Clarksburg nonprofit 'The Circle' marks first year after connecting dozens to housing and services
Summary
Leaders and clients of The Circle at First United Methodist Church marked the program's first year and told Clarksburg City Council the drop-in site has become a critical access point — serving 8,369 meals and helping roughly 50 people secure housing in 2025.
Marissa Rhine, director of the Resilience Collaborative at the United Way of Harrison and Doddridge counties, told the Clarksburg City Council on Thursday that The Circle at First United Methodist Church has become a steady downtown access point for people experiencing homelessness.
"In its first year, the Circle has become exactly that," Rhine said, listing services that include meals, health-care navigation, recovery support, restorative circles and a shower program. She told council members the site served 8,369 plates of food in its first year and that 50 people secured housing in 2025 after connecting to services there.
The Circle operates four days a week in downtown Clarksburg and offers pre-employment opportunities created with a foundation grant; Rhine said 16 people have participated in the program so far. Mikayla Garcia, who staffs The Circle daily, described how the program helps people move from being served to serving others, and invited the public to the first-birthday celebration tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 117 North 2nd Street.
Several speakers emphasized that The Circle pairs meals with connections to housing, health care and employment. "Being surrounded by people who care…makes all the difference," said Raymond Riley, a program participant who spoke after Rhine and Garcia. Riley credited The Circle with helping him obtain medical care, remain in recovery and find full-time work.
City officials did not take formal action during the public-comment segment, but several council members thanked presenters and invited continued collaboration between the city, First United Methodist Church, the Resilience Collaborative and local service providers.
The Circle will celebrate its anniversary with a public event at the church; Rhine said the program is a model of public–private partnership aimed at improving community resilience.
