Charleston's Downtown
Downtown Charleston is where our city’s history and energy come together. From the Kanawha River to Capitol Street, it’s the heart of our community, where small businesses thrive, neighbors connect, and culture shines.
Once built around the river trade and the State Capitol’s growth, downtown has become a vibrant mix of old charm and new life. From Haddad Park to Capitol Market and the Clay Center, it’s where Charleston gathers to eat, shop, celebrate, and create.
My vision is to keep that momentum going — supporting local businesses, preserving our history, and making downtown cleaner, safer, and more walkable for everyone.
Downtown Charleston is the heartbeat of our capital... where history, business, and community all come together. It’s full of local art, music, food, and small businesses that make our city shine.
But like any downtown, it faces real challenges. Housing, addiction, and access to help impact our neighbors every day. That’s why it’s so important to support the people and organizations keeping downtown safe, cared for, and thriving. Together, we can keep Charleston’s core strong and connected for everyone who calls it home.
YWCA Sojourner’s Shelter
1418 Washington St. E | (304) 340-3562
Emergency shelter for women, families, and men with children. Provides meals, case management, and transitional housing support.
Union Mission Men’s Shelter
Year-round shelter, meals, and job-readiness support for men experiencing homelessness.
503 Leon Sullivan Way | (304) 925-0366
Covenant House WV
600 Shrewsbury St. | (304) 344-8053
Food pantry, housing assistance, utility & eviction prevention for individuals and families in crisis.
Kanawha Valley Collective – Centralized Assessment Team
First point of contact for anyone seeking shelter or housing programs in the Charleston area.
1015 Smith St. | (681) 340-1086
City of Charleston CARE Team
1420 Kanawha Blvd W | (304) 881-1686
Coordinates addiction response, outreach to unsheltered individuals, and connects residents to housing and ID services.
Downtown Charleston Association (DCA)
Promotes downtown businesses, events, and revitalization efforts.
United Way of Central WV — 211 Helpline
Dial 211 for free, confidential access to local housing, food, and crisis resources 24/7.
Together for Charleston!
Downtown Charleston is a reflection of who we are — resilient, creative, and compassionate. These organizations remind us that progress isn’t just about buildings and business, it’s about people. Supporting them means strengthening the heart of our city.
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​Mark Mahoney
Candidate for Charleston City Council, Ward 9