People Incorporated has been in the business of changing lives since 1964. Headquartered in Abingdon in Washington County, the non-profit community action agency and community development organization has been working to revitalize a community in Southwest Virginia for nearly 10 years.
Trammel was one of the earliest “coal camp” communities in the Appalachian Mountains in Southwest Virginia. In 1918, the Dickenson County community had more than 100 homes for employees of the Virginia Banner Coal Corporation to live, work, and raise their families in. But the boom-and-bust nature of the coal industry, as well as number of other socioeconomic factors, led to the eventual decline of the once thriving coal community. Most of the community’s homes were century-old dwellings in need of rehabilitation and revitalization and as recently as the 1990s, many had no indoor plumbing.
In 2015, the county reached out to People Incorporated for assistance in revitalizing the community. As the designated Community Action Agency for the county, People Incorporated helped them apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) – planning grant – to help rehabilitate and revitalize homes in Trammel. Revitalization began in earnest in 2018. During the first phase of the project, People Incorporated worked with the county to relocate two households, restore nearly half a mile of community sidewalk, oversee the construction of six new homes, and remove 14 blighted structures. These efforts began to bring a sense of renewal back to Trammel.
Not only does this effort support the community’s residents but it also supports Dickenson County’s broader initiatives designed to promote the region as a tourism and outdoor recreation destination. The project is helping the community and local economy and bringing back a sense of pride to the region.
“There’s a lot more room, that’s for sure, a lot better houses. Hopefully just more people come in.”
James, resident of Trammel
People Incorporated is now working with partners on phase two of the project, which includes rebuilding more homes, widening the road, improving the playground, storm water mitigation, internet connectivity, and building an interactive wayside exhibit about Trammel’s history. The agency received additional funding through a congressional appropriation that will help make these plans a reality.
As People Incorporated celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2024, the organization’s commitment to empowering individuals and revitalizing communities remains strong. We believe Trammel’s future is bright with possibility!
Virginia Main Street 