Legal Basis
The legal basis for provision of services to homeless individuals and families in West Virginia is contained in the Hodge Court Decree:
Tracy Hodge, et al, etc
vs.
Leon H Ginsburg, Commissioner
West Virginia Department of Welfare
In a Writ of Mandamus, granted to the petitioners on January 27, 1983, the West Virginia Department of Welfare (currently West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources) was directed to provide emergency shelter, food and medical care to the petitioners. From the beginning, however, the Department of Health and Human Resources has desired to go beyond the minimum requirements set forth in the Hodge Decree and to address the underlying issues that resulted in homelessness. By taking this approach it is our hope that adults and families may obtain a lasting stability in a home of their own with the support and assistance necessary to sustain that stability over time.
