Highland Educational Project (HEP)

The Highland Educational Project (HEP) has been an outreach ministry of the Diocese of West Virginia for more than 70 years. It is located in Welch in McDowell County, in one of the most impoverished areas of the country.

In the past HEP was the only full-time mission-based organization that was open to provide area residents with aid every day of the week. It offered a food pantry, clothing, help with utility bills, and other provisions for county residents. After a time of revisioning, restructuring and reimagining, HEP has reopened with the goal of becoming an even more vital outreach ministry in McDowell County.

If you would like to know how you can help HEP, or if you would like to schedule a work group to visit HEP, please contact the Rev. Paul Barker.