CLARKSBURG-- The Clarksburg Mission will receive $10,000 from the Harrison County Commission to assist with repairs to its building and with other unexpected costs.
"It's an old building and we've had to do basic maintenance repairs to the roofing and plumbing," said Director Kurt Busiek. "It depleted our reserves and we needed help, especially coming into the winter season."
Winter is the busiest time of year at the mission, as temperatures drop and the homeless seek shelter, food and clothing, Busiek said. The facility houses about 30 people per night during the winter months, he said.
The mission also serves two meals a day on weekdays at noon and 5 p.m. and a meal at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
"We serve over 400 meals a week, free of charge, to those who are homeless or living on a limited income," Busiek said.
Also, winter is the most common time of year for house fires and the mission offers assistance to those who have lost their homes, Busiek said.
The county approved the money because the mission is a vital part of the community, said commission President Roger Diaz.
"It's important they have funding because a lot of people will be out on the sidewalk with no place to go for food, unless we and other organizations don't step up and help," Diaz said.
The $10,000 will come from the county's community improvement fund, Diaz said. The remaining balance in the fund will be $78,000, he said.
The fund was established when Meadowfill Landfill came to Harrison County and agreed to pay 50 cents to the county for every ton of garbage dumped, Diaz said.
Busiek is grateful for the grant and wants the public to know they can help too. The mission accepts monetary donations as well as food, clothing, toys and furniture, he said.
"If something is too heavy to get here, we'll send a truck to pick it up," he said. "Food and financial donations are needed because this is the time we feed and house the most people. If you want to help, now is the time."
They also are looking for community and church groups willing to come and serve a meal during the weekends, he said.
For more information, contact the mission at 622-2451.
Staff writer Jennifer Biller can be reached at 626-1449 or jbiller@exponent-telegram.com.
