History

SPECO is a grassroots organization in Huntington, WV, that works with and for our marginalized neighbors. Through direct engagement and collaborative community efforts, our program works to ensure our unhoused community members are seen as equal stakeholders in the effort to improve their conditions.

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church has been a long-established community organization in the West End of Huntington.

Founded in 1920, we have spent the last 100 years supporting the local Boy Scout troops, sponsoring engagement with the youth through kid’s basketball and theater programs, and supporting the direct needs of our community with clothing giveaways, block parties, community dreams, and much more.

SPECO began in 2019 as a continuation of a blessing box ministry project, where food donations were distributed from the church’s property.

SPECO is an organization driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a solid foundation of support. When COVID hit, we saw a more pressing need for community outreach, and over the past few years, the food donation program has expanded into a regular street outreach program with weekly and year-round engagement.

The impact of the outreach has grown exponentially to address food insecurity, homelessness, and substance use disorder, which respond to the growing need for these specific services in our neighborhood.

Today, SPECO works with community leaders and partners with St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Huntington Addiction Wellness Center, Harmony House, and Cabell-Huntington Health Department on our main programs. We are always looking for new partnerships.

History of SPECO