For generations, coal mining drove the economy and shaped daily life across small, rural towns in West Virginia. But as the energy landscape has shifted over the last two decades, many of these close-knit coalfield communities have faced tough economic transitions and shrinking job markets¹. In fact, the Appalachian Regional Commission still classifies several West Virginia counties as economically distressed due to low median incomes and high poverty rates¹. When local economies struggle, families often have to stretch every dollar just to cover daily essentials, leaving little leftover for big household expenses or long-term structural upkeep².
At the community level, keeping older homes safe, warm, and accessible can feel like an uphill battle for families on tight budgets. Many houses in the region need crucial fixes—like weatherization to handle harsh winters, drywall repairs, or wheelchair ramps so aging grandparents and individuals with mobility challenges can move freely. In the Appalachian community, a dedicated local organization called the Southern Appalachia Labor School (SALS) steps in to help³. SALS works directly with residents to coordinate repair projects that keep families safely in the homes they love, uniting local leadership with community support to make a real difference right where it's needed most.
This summer, HXP Builders will partner with SALS to support these ongoing home-repair efforts throughout the region. Builders will work alongside local partners to install insulation and drywall, prime and paint surfaces, and construct porches and wheelchair ramps to improve home safety and accessibility. Through this work, Builders will contribute their time and skills to projects coordinated by an established local organization and shaped by community needs. By working together with SALS and local residents, HXP Builders will help make homes more comfortable and accessible while learning the value of partnership, community leadership, and sustainable service.
Sources:
¹ Appalachian Regional Commission, County Economic Status and Distressed Areas by State, FY 2026: https://www.arc.gov/about-the-appalachian-region/county-economic-status-and-distressed-areas-by-state-fy-2026/
² U.S. Energy Information Administration, West Virginia State Energy Profile: https://www.eia.gov/states/WV/overview
³ Southern Appalachia Labor School (SALS), Official Website: https://sals.info/