The Homestart Closet is a community organization sponsored by WVU’s Office of Student Life. It was started by Women Across Cultures in the 1990s to meet the needs of international students coming to study at WVU and in Spring 2025 became a registered non-profit led by volunteers working in collaboration with Campus and Community Life.
WVU has over 900 international students, representing 110 countries. When international students arrive in Morgantown, they may have traveled for anything from twelve hours to several days. Everything they have brought with them is in two suitcases and now they must register for classes, comply with immigration requirements, and find a place to live – all in a strange language. Even for students who come from English speaking countries, it can be a considerable challenge!
The Homestart Closet aims to offer these students support while they settle in Morgantown by providing them with various household items and basic necessities. Items might include sheets, towels, blankets, pillows, dishes, flatware, glasses, mugs, kettles, pots, pans, skillets, microwaves, coffee makers and rice cookers. Large furniture items are occasionally available, but may also be found at other local stores. All items have been donated to the Closet and may be new or gently used.
Our Goals
- Whenever possible to provide a starter kit for international students living on and off campus, so that they do not spend their first night on a bare bed.
- To provide basic equipment such as dishes, pots and pans, and linens free of charge to students living on and off campus in apartments and to help fill their other needs where possible.
- Notice: Please note that clothing items are currently not available through the HomeCloset. Please see the Resources linked below if you are in need of clothing or other items.
WHERE ARE WE
- The Homestart Closet is located in Stalnaker Hall and is available to WVU international students by request only.
- The Closet will have Open Hours from time to time when students may visit to find items not listed on the request form.
- Students may also make an appointment to visit the Closet to discuss specific needs.
How DOES it Work
- If you are an international student in need of essential home items, please submit a request. If you are in immediate need of basic needs please contact Campus Life (304-293-5611).
- Once your request is received, a team member will review it to confirm the items that can be provided. Arrangements for pickup or delivery will then be made.
- If you would like more information or would like us to come and speak to your group, please contact one of us by email or at the phone numbers listed below. We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you!
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Liz Finklea, Volunteer Coordinator
- wvuhomestartcloset@gmail.com
- 304-685-8312
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Office of Campus and Community Life
- Campuslife@mail.wvu.edu
- 304-293-5611
