HHOMA takes listening tour to Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties

Invites all public and community comment on ARPA recovery funds

CHARLESTON, WV – The Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs (HHOMA) continues its statewide listening tour in November with stops in Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties.

The tour was launched in August to hear what communities need and how the state’s American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) allocation can help. HHOMA will continue to conduct the tour through December 2022.

Congress passed the ARPA to stimulate the nation’s recovery from the economic and health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. West Virginia has been allocated $1.6 billion of ARPA funding.

“We are traveling the state to share with you what we know about the American Rescue Plan Act funding,” said Jill Upson, executive director of HHOMA. “We are on this journey to listen as you share with us how the COVID pandemic has affected you and your community. Together, we can identify the communities’ needs and where investments should be allocated. Governor Jim Justice has called for transparency, sustainability, and sound fiscal management that strengthens equity and includes unserved and underserved populations in our state."

The scheduled stops are:

Monday, Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m. – Berkeley County
Holiday Inn Martinsburg
301 Foxcroft Ave, Martinsburg, WV 25401

Thursday, Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m. – Jefferson County
Shepherd University Student Center – The Cumberland Room
210 N. King St, Shepherdstown, WV 25443

Tuesday, Nov. 9, 6:30 p.m. – Morgan County
Morgan County Commission (please use side entrance)
77 Fairfax St, Room 101, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411

At each stop, the HHOMA team will meet with local community leaders, followed by public forums where all community members will be invited to receive information and share their ideas.

Topics of discussion will include the following:

• Pandemic-related challenges
• Targeting greatest needs
• Making an impact
• Sustainability
• Pooling resources

Upcoming event dates and locations will be announced throughout the listening tour and can be found online at minorityaffairs.wv.gov/ARPAtour. Details will also be shared on HHOMA’s social media pages.