Rekindling the War on Poverty

- In War, West Virginia, the median household income is less than half of the national average.
- Forty-two percent of residents live in poverty.
- The median home value is roughly $33,600, as compared to the state average of $94,500.

But in War, West Virginia, Hope Force is on the move.

February 13, 2012: Last year, Hope Force Reservists sacrificed their Memorial Day weekend to help improve living quarters for some residents in War. With a goal of inspiring hope through acts of love and practical assistance, they targeted this former mining town to receive Hope Force's help. On their four-day deployment, the team's primary goal was to paint and roof homes that were in dire need of renovation.

The team wanted to provide assistance without fostering the spirit of dependency that has previously been encouraged in the area through reliance on the mining industry and later on government welfare programs. In order to accomplish this, Hope Force asked able family members to contribute to the work done to their homes. War residents who were served also provided financial contributions to the renovations so that they could gain a sense of ownership and pride in their homes.

In McDowell County, where War is located, there has been no new construction since the 1970's. The sheer age of the homes, paired with years of rain and snowfall above the national average, has caused many houses to fall into disrepair. In fact, over 64 percent of housing in the county is considered substandard. On last year's deployment, Hope Force Reservist Brett Johnson tore off shingles, re-roofed homes and moved demolition debris to landfills to help solve some of War's housing issues.

"The part that made the most difference was definitely the tear-off and roofing the house," Johnson said. "It is a common issue with a lot of the houses there. The fact that we were able to get a house roofed in such a short amount of time in sweltering heat was rewarding."

Formerly known as Miner's City, War flourished as a coal mining town until the 1960's. But as the demand for coal declined and mines across the state shut down, War grew into a city of the past. Since southern West Virginia's market was almost entirely dependent on coal mines, the economy collapsed when mining companies began to pull out, and in most areas it has never fully recovered.

Johnson commented that "Hope Force's presence is having a great impact, especially with Craig Snow leading the way. Craig has established many relationships with the locals. Residents are taking notice of the help and are surprised that people they don't know would come from different states to help them." Today, desperate need can be seen throughout McDowell County, with some residents living in fifth-generation welfare families. Johnson noted that the people of War have a great spirit and a commitment to family, but are in need of many house repairs.

Hope Force plans to continue its pledge to improve living conditions in McDowell County through a Memorial Day deployment, May 24 to 28, 2012. Anybody who has completed Hope Force Reservist training is eligible to participate. Please click here for a flier detailing the upcoming deployment.

If you would like to volunteer with Hope Force's ministry in Appalachia, we encourage you to contact Sue Duby. If you would like information on how to financially support this ministry, you can find further details at this link.