For generations, coal mining was the economic backbone of many small, rural communities throughout West Virginia. However, as coal demand has declined significantly over the past two decades, these communities face growing economic uncertainty and hardship. The Appalachian Regional Commission classifies large parts of West Virginia as economically distressed, with several counties among the poorest in the nation¹. The state continues to endure high poverty rates and some of the lowest median household incomes in the United States, compounded by geographic isolation and aging infrastructure². Coal production had fallen by about 40% since 2003 despite a slight recent rebound, and employment in the coal industry dropped by over 20% during the COVID-19 pandemic³. These factors have slowed economic recovery and limited opportunities for growth in once coal-dependent regions.
At the community level, the collapse of the coal industry has deeply affected residents’ daily lives. Many families live in older homes that lack adequate insulation and require serious repairs, while residents with disabilities often face accessibility challenges due to unsafe or missing entryways⁴. Local schools commonly operate with insufficient funding, leading to resource shortages that undermine educational outcomes⁵. This combination of housing instability and under-resourced education perpetuates a cycle of poverty that is difficult to break. The needs for home repairs, improved accessibility, and better educational support remain critical in many Appalachian communities to help break the poverty cycle.
This summer, HXP Builders will partner with the Southern Appalachia Labor School (SALS) to address these pressing needs throughout the Blue Ridge region. Volunteers will assist with essential home repairs including installing insulation and drywall, priming and painting surfaces, and constructing porches and wheelchair ramps to enhance safety and accessibility. These efforts will help make homes warmer, safer, and more livable for families facing economic hardship. By working alongside SALS and responding to community voices, HXP Builders will contribute materials, labor, and connection. This project empowers youth to make a lasting impact while learning the value of sustainable service and compassionate leadership.
Sources:
¹ Appalachian Regional Commission, West Virginia Economic Status, 2025
² West Virginia Bureau of Business and Economic Research, Coal Industry Trends, 2025
³ U.S. Energy Information Administration, West Virginia Coal Profile, 2025
⁴ Southern Appalachia Labor School Reports, 2024
⁵ West Virginia Deprtment of Education, Rural School Funding Report, 2023