CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — After facing teenage homelessness and domestic violence in West Virginia, 23-year-old Ireland Daugherty had finally achieved stability: she had secured her own apartment, a job, and was pursuing a four-year degree. Meanwhile, 36-year-old Ashley Cain was celebrating four years of sobriety and working with a nonprofit focused on repurposing abandoned factories and coal mines for manufacturing and solar projects.
Both Daugherty and Cain relied on federally funded programs for support in one of the nation’s poorest states, where nonprofits are crucial in providing essential services like healthcare, education, and economic development.
Recently, the White House decision to freeze spending on federal loans and grants caused uncertainty and disruption for organizations across the country, especially impacting nonprofits in impoverished rural states like West Virginia. While the order was later rescinded by President Donald Trump’s administration, a federal appeals court found that not all federal funding had been fully restored.
West Virginia’s heavy dependence on federal funds to address deep-rooted issues makes it particularly vulnerable to the wide-ranging actions of the new administration, despite strong support for Trump in the state. With high rates of opioid overdoses, children in foster care, obesity, and poverty, along with infrastructure challenges, West Virginia was poised to benefit significantly from federal spending initiatives focused on community revitalization.
Projects in progress have been halted due to the uncertainty caused by the funding freeze. Coalfield Development, where Cain works, had secured nearly $700 million for projects linked to federal spending plans of the Biden administration, creating jobs in West Virginia and neighboring states. The nonprofit’s mission to train local workers for these projects is personal for CEO Jacob Hannah, whose family has a history in coal mining.
Now, with their projects paused indefinitely, Cain and Hannah face challenges in moving forward with their initiatives. In Huntington, West Virginia, a former coal train renovation factory intended to be transformed into a manufacturing and business space remains idle, with workers unable to proceed with necessary repairs and upgrades.
The uncertainty surrounding the funding situation has cast a shadow over the work environment, creating a heavier atmosphere for those involved.
“The anticipation of potential outcomes has profoundly impacted people’s mindsets,” remarked Cain. “I’ve witnessed many individuals who encounter obstacles here feeling disheartened, believing that they may never be able to construct a brighter future.” In Morgantown, Daugherty found herself losing sleep over the fact that Libera, the nonprofit organization she dedicates her efforts to, had not yet received reimbursement for a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Daugherty, who entered state care at the age of 16, highlighted the challenges of transitioning due to lack of support, low self-esteem, traumatic experiences, and high levels of depression experienced by many in similar situations.
When Libera missed its scheduled payment on January 31, it was forced to halt spending, including on a mental health program aimed at supporting middle school girls. Daugherty pointed out that the current executive orders in place pose significant threats to the way of life for West Virginians, given the pressing needs in her community. Multiple organizations remain in a state of uncertainty.
Diane Yentel, the CEO and President of the National Council of Nonprofits, stated that while some organizations had their funds reinstated, many others nationwide were still awaiting resolution, with the fallout from the directive causing ongoing confusion and harm. The Appalachian Center for Independent Living, which assists individuals with disabilities, had to lay off staff temporarily due to financial constraints before rehiring them upon receiving reimbursement.
The West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition, having spent years building relationships with local farmers, faced potential trust issues as their operations were disrupted. Ryan Kelly of the Rural Health Associations in Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas expressed mixed feelings, acknowledging the need for eliminating waste but cautioning about the negative impact of sudden changes. Despite the challenges, Kelly remained hopeful for positive outcomes in the long run.
Alecia Allen, who manages a therapy practice and grocery store in a low-income neighborhood in West Virginia’s capital, lamented facing a series of crises recently. Delays in therapy appointment reimbursements from Medicaid and uncertainties regarding grants supporting her community initiatives added to her stress. Additionally, she encountered a price hike from a vendor, attributing it to tariffs, further complicating her efforts to provide local, affordable food options.
“It’s disheartening to navigate through these setbacks daily,” Allen expressed, reflecting the sentiments shared by many grappling with the repercussions of the current situation.
