Keith Lowry, the Executive Director of Jefferson County Community Ministries painted a concerning picture of housing insecurity during a presentation to the County Commission in September. Due to the rising costs of housing (particularly rental housing) Lowry and his staff are seeing an increase of working families who struggle to find permanent housing in the county. The rising costs of housing are also creating an expanding number of Jefferson County residents who struggle with food insecurity.
Around the county, there are four organizations that focus on providing food to families and individuals. All of these charitable organizations have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and welcome your donations of money, food and other supplies to support their work year-round.
Jefferson County Community Ministries
JCCM has been serving the community since 1982. The organization is supported by a coalition of 50 local churches that offers safety-net assistance of food, clothing, and limited financial aid for rent eviction, utilities termination, medicine, cooking and heating fuel, emergency shelter, and gasoline. JCCM serves residents throughout the county from its headquarters in downtown Charles Town. Email info@JCCM.us or call 304-725-3186 for information on programs. JCCM.us
Blue Ridge Food Pantry
This organization started in 2023 to serve residents on the mountain. It operates a food pantry in the old Epicopal church located 65 Mission Road in Harpers Ferry. Email blueridgefoodpantry@gmail.com for more information. BRFoodPantryWV.com
Shepherdstown Shares
This organization started in 2020. It currently operates a food pantry in the Trinity Episcopal chapel in Shepherdstown. The pantry is open on Mondays (4-6 pm), Thursdays (3 – 5:30 pm), and Saturdays (10 – noon). Email ShepShares@gmail.com for more information. ShepherdstownShares.org
Community Markets
This organization was founded in 2021. Its food box giveaways provide fresh and local food to food insecure families in Jefferson County, WV and the surrounding region. One Giveaway is held every few months at Saint James Catholic Church in Charles Town. Call (703) 789-1879 for more information. CommunityMarketsInc.org
By Staff Contributor