BECKLEY, W.V. (LOOTPRESS) – Wednesday afternoon, Commissioner Ron Hedrick presented checks to both Brian’s Safehouse and Sparrow’s Nest.
The grants, which amounted to $12,773 each, came from the county’s remaining CARES Act funding given by the governor to aid local organizations affected by COVID.
“I couldn’t ask for a better thing to do on my last day as a county commissioner and as my last task,” Hedrick stated. “To have an organization ofr facility like that that is helping people get their lives back together is an amazing thing, and we are grateful that they are here. I was honored to vote to give these donations, and I am glad that [they] are able to accept them.”
Co-founder of Brian’s Safehouse and Sparrow’s Nest Leon Brush thanked Hedrick and the community for their constant support.
“We were totally amazed when we received the offer for these finances.”
Brush continued, explaining the purpose of the facilities.
“We work with people in Raleigh County struggling with substance use disorders. We are all about helping Raleigh County residents who are struggling with this disease, so we are glad the community saw fit to help the other struggling people in the community.”
According to Brush, the grants will go toward helping these Raleigh County citizens.
Brian’s Safehouse, which serves men struggling with substance abuse, is currently housing six residents and two more are currently processing into the program. Sparrow’s Nest, which serves women struggling with substance abuse, is currently housing four residents.
“Although they are not a hospital, they are a facility that takes people that are in need and that have a mental problem at the time or need help coping with life. They’re able to help these people get back into society and become a working citizen. It is a facility that helps people get back on their feet,” Hedrick said.
“To be able, as my last act, do something as honorable as presenting funds that will help programs like this to continue to operate and survive the pandemic and start the year 2021 on a stronger foot, well I was pleased to be asked to do it.”