Wheeling’s homeless camp gets water buffalo to help eliminate health challenges

Wheeling, W.Va. (WTRF) – One of the major health and safety challenges at Wheeling’s exempted homeless camp has been the lack of water service at the property.

Now at least a temporary solution has been achieved.

It’s a water buffalo. Not an animal, but a large container from a water service. It holds 1,500 gallons of water, and advocates for the homeless say it’s a big improvement.

Until now, the only source of water here was the creek or bottled watter brought in by charities and service providers.

“Right now we’re not sure how permanent this is so we’re just renting per month. But it’s really filling the need. This is water that they can drink and they can shower and they can wash dishes. So that way we don’t have to bring as much bottled water. But yeah I’d say it’s working out very well.”

Dr. William Mercer, Physician, Project HOPE

A new group consisting of every organization that deals with the homeless had water as the first priority. Their list continues with items like a handicap-accessible porta jon.

“Well some of the things, we’ve brought some medical kits, so we’re trying to get more of that. A little bit more access to the camp for the providers that are coming here.”

Dr. William Mercer, Physician, Project HOPE

A cooking fire last weekend required the fire department. It happened to be discovered by Health Department Administrator Howard Gamble.

“Actually Howard was driving by and saw the smoke and stopped and took a picture and saw the flames and texted it to me and I was able to come over then.”

Dr. William Mercer, Physician, Project HOPE

The camp only has about 20 campsites, and it has a waiting list. And about 40 individuals are on the waiting list to live at the camp.

By the way, no one was injured in the cooking fire.

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