Christian Help -- A history of helping

Sr. Brendan at Christian Help's original location
Sister Brendan Conlon at the sign of Christian Help's original location in Kermit, WV
CHI's first location Christian Help's original location and first two volunteers: Sue and  Junior Chafin

Christian Help is a nondenominational public charity helping to meet poverty and emergency needs.  It was incorporated in the State of West Virginia in 1996 and is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) agency.

Christian Help got its start in 1994 when the former director of Christian Help in Morgantown decided to form a new CHI in some poor, more rural place, where there was more need and fewer resources.  We rented the first floor of building in East Kermit. ABLE Families, our partner agency, rented the second floor.

In 1996 the Corps of Engineers decided to buy that building and tear it down as part of its Flood Control Program.  In 1998 Christian Help, together with its neighboring agency, ABLE Families, began construction of a new building in the heart of Kermit.  It was occupied by the two agencies in April of 1999.

 In 2004 the two agencies constructed a second building, which provided space for an after-school classroom for ABLE Families and a furniture “warehouse” for Christian Help. That building was occupied in March, 2005. The two agencies complement each other, with Christian Help providing material and financial help for those in need and ABLE Families providing a continuum of educational programs to help people break out of poverty.

Christian Help is supported entirely by donations, mostly from churches and individuals.  It is not affiliated with any one church and serves anyone in need, regardless of race or religion--or lack of religion.

Our Board

Our Board of Directors includes Tim Hatfield (President), Ron Cisco (Vice-President), Rod Smith (Treasurer), Renee Maynard (Secretary), Grover Fields, Duke Jewell, Ed Lockard, Teresa McCune, Charles Parsley, Ralph Perry, Carolyn Sansom, Duanne Thompson, Ruth Thornton, Al Totten, Leigh Ann Wells, Sister Brendan Conlon (ex officio).

Our Logo

Christian Help logoChristian Help's logo consists of a heart, the universal symbol of love and caring, and the Chi Rho, a symbol composed of the first two Greek letters of the name of Christ. The symbol has been used for "Christ" since the second century.