CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — One local nonprofit depends on volunteers and community support to function, but layoffs are now threatening it.
For the past 35 years, 186 houses have been built thanks to the Habitat for Humanity in Kanawha and Putnam Counties.
The organization is constantly working to continue its mission of building homes for those who need it most, but layoffs from the federal government have threatened to cut the cord on construction.
Habitat depends on volunteers to complete these projects, and a chunk of those came from AmeriCorps, a national organization that provides volunteer services to organizations coast-to-coast.
In April, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cut funding to AmeriCorps, which led to layoffs taking away manpower from the area.
Habitat CEO Andrew Blackwood said the loss of these volunteers is significant and will affect their progress this year.
“They served us 2800 hours last year, and that is the equivalent of over $40,000 in wages if we were to have to pay for that kind of service,” he said. “The number of hours means that it’s simply going to take us longer to build each house.”
Blackwood said he believes a mindset shift in Washington brought the layoffs on.
“It seems to me that at the federal level, the interest in community development is simply not there at this point,” Blackwood said. “I’ve had conversations with representatives of our congressional delegation specifically about the impact prior to the decision being made. I feel that they understand what they’re doing.”
Two projects are underway with a few consistent crews: a house construction and a house refurbishing. Community members do not have to be construction experts to volunteer. In fact, all you need is a desire to help and willingness to learn.
“We provide appropriate PPE and the tools; you just need to come out and be willing to roll your sleeves up and get to work,” Blackwood said.
Those who wish to help, but cannot give physically, can donate funds or used furnishings to the Habitat for Humanity Restore.
As for the federal funding, there is no current word on if or when it will be restored to AmeriCorps.
U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman (Maryland) has ordered the Trump Administration to restore funding to AmeriCorps. She said they did not follow legal standards when making the cuts in April.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOWK 13 News.
