Ocie has lived in Trammel since 1970, a few years after her first son was born. Her family moved there to work for the coal company and has called Trammel home ever since. Over the years, her house began to feel cramped for herself, her son, and her grandson. “You nearly bumped your head to get into the shower,” recalled Ocie. In 2021, the house was still heated by a coal and wood stove and in need of major structural improvements and repairs.

The community of Trammel, located in Dickenson County, is one of the earliest “coal camp” communities in the Appalachian Mountains. By the 1900s the Virginia Banner Coal Corporation had built over 100 homes for employees to live in.

Built at the turn of the century, these four-room houses had no indoor plumbing. Even as recently as the 1990s, every four houses shared an outdoor privy. As the coal industry began to decline, the homes in Trammel fell into a state of disrepair. The once booming community began to lose both community members and hope. But the residents of Trammel refused to give up.

As the designated Community Action Agency for Dickenson County, People Incorporated became involved with the intended revitalization of the community in 2015, when the agency helped the county apply for a Community Development Block Grant planning grant.

People Incorporated has been involved in the revitalization process ever since. In 2018, funds were secured to begin the first phase of the community’s revitalization.

During the first phase of the project People Incorporated has 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. The overarching goal has been to ensure that Trammel residents have the resources they need to live with dignity.

People Incorporated originally planned to rehabilitate Ocie’s home but, after an inspection, determined that addressing the structural issues of the house was not feasible. Instead, the agency suggested rebuilding the home entirely.

After a few months of construction, Ocie and her family moved a few feet over into their new house. Ocie sees this house as a fresh start for her family. Her grandson, James, agrees. “The new house is a lot better, a lot cleaner,” said James. Ocie is relieved to no longer tend the stove and everyone is enjoying the central heat and air conditioning. She and her family are beginning to have hope again for the future in Trammel.

As phase one of the Trammel project wraps up, People Incorporated plans to work with partners on phase two, 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. People Incorporated received additional funding through a congressional appropriation that will help make these plans a reality.

James is optimistic about the future of Trammel. At 21 years old, he’s lived in the community his entire life and loves being close to family, the community’s unique history, and the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains. He has a stable job with the county and has no plans to move away anytime soon. James sees a brighter future ahead for Trammel: “There’s a lot more room, that’s for sure, a lot better houses, hopefully just more people come in.”