Charleston Community Comes Together to Assist West Side Residents Without Gas
In the wake of a major gas outage affecting many residents on Charleston’s West Side, the community has united to provide much-needed assistance. After a water main break caused a hole in the gas main line and sent gallons of water flooding through, over a thousand customers of Mountaineer Gas were left without gas in their homes. However, schools, community centers, and organizations have stepped up to offer support in various ways.
Mary C. Snow Elementary School, which announced its closure for the week due to the outage, has been serving free meals to families and providing assistance with Schoology, an online learning platform. The school’s Curriculum Assistant Principal, Sarah Ryan, highlighted the significant response they have received from families in need of support. With the understanding that some families are unable to cook during this difficult time, the school is grateful to provide lunches even while closed.
The United Way of Central West Virginia is also playing a crucial role by distributing space heaters to affected residents. These heaters can be picked up at the Bream Memorial Presbyterian Church or the United Way office. UWCWV President Margaret O’Neal emphasized that anyone in need should reach out to them, as they are working to address various needs within the community. O’Neal urged caution in using space heaters and advised following the safety instructions provided by the City of Charleston.
Meanwhile, the City of Charleston has made shower facilities available at the North Charleston and Martin Luther King Community Centers from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., offering a respite to those without gas in their homes.
Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin expressed her understanding that the outage may last at least through the week, and she assured residents that assistance is being provided through organizations such as the American Red Cross and the United Way. The city’s Facebook page is regularly updated with the latest developments regarding the situation.
The coming together of schools, community centers, and organizations in Charleston demonstrates the strength and resilience of the community. As residents continue to face the challenges posed by the gas outage, the support and assistance offered provide a much-needed lifeline. Through the provision of meals, space heaters, and shower facilities, the community is working together to ensure that those affected have their basic needs met. This united effort serves as a shining example of compassion and solidarity during difficult times.
