Libera Receives $ 1.2 Million AHP Award for Transitional Housing Project
Libera has received $ 1.2 million from the FHLBank Affordable Housing Program ( AHP ) Award to purchase and renovate a building in Morgantown to provide transitional housing and wraparound support services to young women in West Virginia .
On December 12 , 2024 , the board of directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh ( FHLBank ) approved $ 50.8 million in award grants under FHLBank ’ s AHP and $ 30 million through its voluntary housing grant initiative . The $ 30 million voluntary housing grant initiative total includes an additional $ 12 million that the board approved beyond the initial $ 18 million that was announced at round opening . The grants will help finance 73 housing projects , creating 1,581 homes for very low- , low- and moderate-income individuals and families .
Libera is proud to be one of the few West Virginia agencies receiving grant funding through FHLBank ’ s AHP initiative . The $ 1.2 million will be used to purchase and renovate the building at 1000 Stewartstown Rd . in Morgantown . Renovations will be conducted by March-Westin , and the project team hopes to have renovations completed by the end of 2025 . Once completed , Libera will use the building to provide transitional housing to eight at-risk young women who have been impacted by the foster care system or juvenile justice system as well as other young women at risk of homelessness .
Not only will Libera use this building to provide much needed affordable housing , but it will serve as a community center for Libera to provide support programs and wraparound services to vulnerable youth in the community and living at the building . These additional services will include employment , counseling , job training , mentoring , peer support groups and connection to resources .
“ We are so excited to have our project funded by the FHLBank of Pittsburgh ,” says Kelsey Riggi , director of strategic initiatives at Libera . “ This building will provide much needed support and affordable housing to young women in need in our community and in West Virginia . We are grateful to FHLBank and all of the partners we ’ re working with to make this project happen .”
Veteran West Virginia Attorney Ramonda Marling Joins Babst Calland ’ s Charleston Office as Shareholder
Ramonda Marling .
Babst Calland announces the lateral move of established West Virginia Attorney Ramonda Marling , who will be joining as a shareholder in the firm ’ s downtown Charleston office .
Marling is joining forces with Babst Calland senior-level legal counsel in its litigation and energy and natural resources practice areas . Marling primarily represents clients in litigation and commercial matters . She has extensive experience in complex , high-dollar commercial litigation matters representing natural gas producers , midstream companies , coal companies , pharmaceutical manufacturers , tobacco companies and other corporations .
She has represented natural gas producers in litigation involving class action royalty disputes , lease disputes , trespass and nuisance matters ; midstream companies in trespass ; coal companies in contract disputes ; employment and deliberate intent matters ; tobacco companies in product liability matters ; mining companies in safety and health matters ; coal broker in international contract dispute ; and brokerage firms and investment advisors against claims of fraud , misrepresentation and
violations of federal and state laws . Marling also has first chair trial and appellate experience .
“ We are very pleased to welcome Ramonda to Babst Calland to continue to expand our senior-level legal counseling team to serve the needs of existing and new clients in the region ,” says Donald Bluedorn II , managing shareholder of Babst Calland . “ She is a natural fit for us as she shares our values , experience and philosophy in serving clients , some with whom we already have business relationships .”
Marling says it is an exciting time to join Babst Calland ' s team of wellregarded attorneys in West Virginia and become part of a firm where the energy business is a significant force .
Elizabeth “ Liz ” Simmons Named Executive Director At HMA
Elizabeth “ Liz ” Simmons began her duties as executive director at the Huntington Museum of Art ( HMA ) on September 16 , 2024 , according to Shelia Brownfield , president of HMA ’ s Board of Trustees . Simmons came to HMA from the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences in Charleston , WV .
“ The museum is pleased that the final interviewee is a Huntington native with many memories of the museum as a child ,” Brownfield says . “ She needs no introduction to the area or the museum , and she will add her personal touch to the success of the museum going forward . We are all excited to welcome Liz home ."
Elizabeth “ Liz ” Simmons .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE