Valley Health Systems, Inc. congratulates Brett Wellman on his new role as Executive Director of The Huntington Homeless Services (HHS) Hub, Huntington’s low-barrier shelter and collaborative initiative serving individuals experiencing homelessness. Wellman was named Executive Director in May and continues to serve as Valley Health’s Chief Community Health Officer and as a nurse practitioner.
Valley Health also congratulates President and CEO Dr. Mathew Weimer on his appointment as President of the Board overseeing The Hub. These leadership appointments mark another important step in the continued development of The Hub and its mission to provide compassionate, coordinated care and critical resources for Huntington’s unhoused population.
“The Hub is about human dignity and neighbors taking care of neighbors,” said Dr. Weimer. “No single organization can address the complex challenges that individuals experiencing homelessness often face. This work requires collaboration, compassion and a comprehensive approach that connects people with the services and support they need to move from crisis toward stability.”
Located at 96 3rd Avenue West in Huntington, The Hub is the region’s only overnight low-barrier shelter. Open seven days a week from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., the facility provides overnight shelter for up to 80 guests, along with access to restrooms, showers, coordinated meals and trauma-informed support from trained staff.
As Executive Director, Wellman leads The Hub’s day-to-day operations, strengthens community partnerships and guides the continued expansion of services designed to meet both the immediate and long-term needs of individuals experiencing homelessness.
Wellman joined Valley Health in 2016 and has held several leadership positions within the organization, including Operations Officer and Chief Quality Officer. He currently serves as Valley Health’s Chief Community Health Officer while continuing to care for patients as a nurse practitioner.
The Hub is a collaborative initiative supported by Valley Health Systems, the City of Huntington, the Cabell County Commission, and community partners including Marshall Health Network and Ohio Valley Physicians. Together, these organizations are working to create a coordinated, whole-person approach to health, housing, and social services.
Future phases of The Hub are designed to expand access to on-site medical care, health screenings, behavioral health services, substance use disorder treatment, personalized case management, transitional housing and transportation assistance.
The vision for The Hub extends beyond providing a safe place to sleep. Its approach focuses on meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, and hygiene while connecting guests with medical, behavioral health and social services and long-term resources related to housing, employment, and recovery. Valley Health has played a leading role in the development of The Hub and the effort to bring community, healthcare and faith-based organizations together around a unified system of care.
“The Hub is not simply a building or a shelter,” Weimer said. “It is an opportunity to create meaningful connections, remove barriers to care and help some of the most vulnerable members of our community find a path forward. It is not a destination, but a safe space for shelter and safety first and foremost, and an access point to connect with critical services intended to address the underlying issues that will help individuals find long-term housing and stability.”
Community members and organizations are encouraged to support The Hub through volunteering, donations and community partnerships.
For more information about volunteer opportunities or donations, email TheHub@valleyhealth.org or visit valleyhealth.org.