Important: Alternate routes on road maps and some GPS systems may appear to be shorter. Hands of Hope Ministries, Inc. Mission Center is located at 145 McDowell Street, Welch, West Virginia 24801. You can try to use Google Maps or other internet navigation systems, which might work well, or might not in some areas.
These are very narrow and winding roads, and you will need at least two hours if you venture on some routes such as Highway 16 at Marion, Virginia.
*** All visitors need to arrive before 5 p.m. ***
The following are different routes. You can come via Princeton, West Virginia or Abingdon, Virginia.
Please call Executive Director Crystal Green when you get to Princeton or to Claypool Hill to let her know when you will be arriving. Cell phones will work in most areas, but not all of them. Be aware that speed limits are strictly enforced in small towns.
The Hope Chest in Welch: (304) 436-4001
Crystal Green: (304) 320-5072
More detailed directions:
To Welch from I-77 Exit 9 Princeton, WV:
Take Route 460 West toward Bluefield, WV. Continue on 460 West for approximately six (6) miles and turn right on Highway 123 W; which will turn left. Continue approximately one (1) mile to intersection. Bear right to continue on Highway 123 W for another six (6) miles to intersection and traffic light. There will be a CVS Store on the right. Turn right onto U.S. Highway 52 North. Continue on U.S. 52 North for approximately thirty (30) miles. You will go through Bramwell, Maybeury, Northfolk, Keystone and Kimball to Welch.
Upon entering Welch, at the intersection with McDonald’s on the right, stay straight to go into Welch. Turn right onto Howard Street past the public library. Then turn right again on State Road 16 into downtown Welch. When you come to a “Y” in the road (State Road 16 and McDowell Street) turn left onto McDowell Street. The Hands of Hope Mission Center & The Hope Chest facility is located down the street on the right side of the road at 145 McDowell Street. The new location of The Hope Chest is further down at 81 McDowell Street in downtown Welch.
To Welch from I-81 Exit 14 in Abingdon, VA and Through Bluefield:
Exit 14 to Highway 19 North follow Highway 19 North (watch for right turn then left after overpass). Continue approximately forty-five (45) miles and Highway 19 North turns into Highway 460 at the red light in Claypool Hill. Go straight through red light to continue on Highway 460 East to Bluefield. In Bluefield, turn left at light on to Commerce Drive there at the Lowes sign. This will dead end into College Avenue. Then turn right and go approximately .5 miles (one-half mile) and take left onto Stadium Drive go one (1) mile then turn left on Cherry Street, which becomes Highway 52. Follow Highway 52 to Welch.
Upon entering Welch, at the intersection with McDonald’s on the right, stay straight to go into Welch. Turn right onto Howard Street past the public library. Then turn right again on State Road 16 into downtown Welch. When you come to a “Y” in a road (State Road 16 and McDowell Street) turn left onto McDowell Street. The Hands of Hope Mission Center & The Hope Chest facility is located down the street on the right side of the road at 145 McDowell Street. The new location of the Hope Chest is further down at 81 McDowell Street in downtown Welch.
If you need further assistance with directions, call/text Executive Director Crystal Green at (305) 320-5072.