The Randolph County Housing Authority (RCHA) has a legacy of growth and adaptation, transforming over the decades to meet the evolving needs of North Central West Virginia’s communities. What started as a mission to provide basic home repairs has grown into a multi-faceted organization offering housing stability, workforce development, and community revitalization.

1979–1989: Laying the Foundation

• Original Mission: Founded in 1979 to address home-repair needs for households with limited financial resources in a three-county area.
• Expansion into Rental Assistance: In 1984, RCHA began administering the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, assisting over 700 families annually in six counties.

1990s: Expanding Housing Opportunities

• Rural HomeOwnership Program: Launched in 1992, this program helped families with incomes at 80% or less of the area median achieve homeownership through the development of over 200 single-family homes.
• Home Financing Assistance: In 1998, RCHA established the HomeOwnership Center (HOC), providing credit counseling, financial education, and mortgage brokering. To date, HOC has supported more than 1,000 families in achieving their dreams of homeownership.

2000s: Building Communities

• Affordable Rental Housing: In 2004, RCHA opened its first eight-unit rental project and has since expanded to offer 76 income-eligible apartments across three counties. These properties, along with 115 units developed by Woodlands Development Group (WDG), are professionally managed by Highland Community Builders (HCB).
• Community Revitalization Efforts: Through partnerships and initiatives like the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI), RCHA has supported downtown revitalization, creating vibrant spaces that attract businesses and residents.

2010s: Supporting Vulnerable Populations

• A Hand Up – Providing Safe Housing for the Homeless: This program connects individuals and families who are without a home to permanent housing, along with supportive services like education, job training, and case management.
• Healthy Home Program for Older Adults: Starting in 2018, this program supported over 130 senior renters with health interventions, care coordination, and fall prevention, leading to measurable improvements in well-being and reduced healthcare costs.

Today: Empowering Futures Through Workforce Development

RCHA continues to provide job training programs that help individuals achieve self-sufficiency and economic stability:

• YouthBuild North Central WV: Serving young adults age 16–24 with GED preparation, leadership training, and job skills.
• Targeted Health Instruction of North Central WV (THINC WV): Offering healthcare certifications through partnerships with regional colleges and health systems.
• First Step Heavy Equipment Training (FSHET): Preparing participants for careers in construction and forestry with hands-on equipment operation certifications.
• Cultivating Recovery Employment and Training Education (CREATE): Supporting individuals with re-entry technical training in manufacturing and CNC operation.

Looking Ahead

RCHA’s history is a testament to the power of community partnerships and innovative programs in addressing housing and economic challenges. By building on our strong foundation, we remain committed to creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.