THE NEED AND OUR RESPONSE
The Need for Services
In Transylvania County, 45 percent of renters face unaffordable housing costs. With 35 percent of residents considered low-income (earning less than $55,500 for a family of four), the struggle to meet basic needs is significant. As wages fail to keep pace with the rising cost of living, our neighbors find it increasingly difficult to stay in their homes.
“We often hear: ‘You are the only people who care. This is the first place we came for help. We are the place to share burdens, and we may not solve all neighbors’ problems, but when people feel lost, we help them get to the places they need to go. We also ask them: ‘Who do you talk to? Who supports you?”
What Sharing House Provides:
CRISIS ASSISTANCE
plays a pivotal role in mitigating the immediate effects of poverty by providing essential support to individuals and families facing acute financial hardship. By helping with necessities such as rent, utilities, and food, Sharing House’s programs prevent vulnerable individuals from falling deeper into poverty. By addressing urgent needs promptly, we enable recipients to stabilize their circumstances and focus on long-term solutions, such as securing employment or accessing education and training opportunities, ultimately contributing to the broader effort of poverty alleviation within our community.
We offer dignity and support to everyone who walks through our doors. Shower rooms are open during regular business hours on a first-come, first-served basis, and we provide neighbors with clothing and household items. Our new mail pick-up service is available to unhoused members of our community who do not have another secure option of receiving mail.
“Nearly 5,000 residents will experience food insecurity this year in Transylvania County. Through our work and collaboration with community partners, our goal is to ensure no child or adult goes to bed hungry.”
FOOD SECURITY
is not just a fundamental human need; it is the cornerstone upon which stable communities, thriving economies, and healthy societies are built. Our Neighbors Market provides tasty and healthy food options for low-income households. We operate on a neighbor-choice model (neighbors get to make the choices that best suit their lifestyle and tastebuds). That includes in-person shopping, drive-through pickup, and mobile grocery delivery. Our market focuses on providing fresh, healthy food choices, with strong partnerships with local farmers and compost sharing to reduce food waste.
Additionally, we offer pet food and personal items that are not covered by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), such as shampoo, toilet paper, over-the-counter medications, and more.
“The goal of our empowerment programs is to promote individual well-being by helping neighbors grow, heal, and thrive; to foster belonging by offering residents an opportunity to connect with others in a safe and welcoming space; and, to build community and a supportive environment for all.”
EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS
play a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of poverty by equipping individuals with the tools, resources, and skills necessary to create sustainable pathways to economic independence and social mobility. Courses and workshops focus on financial sustainability, car maintenance, mental and physical wellbeing and more. Our programs are designed to promote well-being, belonging, and community.
OUR WHEELS TO WORK
program provides donated vehicles to help individuals get to work, training, or college. Recipients make a $20 monthly payment for 24 months to “pay it forward” to the vehicle maintenance of others.
For 33 years our Christmas Blessings program has helped parents create magical holiday moments for their children with new toys, games, books, and stocking stuffers. Holiday shopping began in mid-November and carried through the week until Christmas. Parents are not only able to shop for their children but can wrap their gifts before leaving Sharing House. Volunteers from across the community keeep the festive spirit humming, including Spanish-speaking volunteers.
Seasonal Solutions
provides a stopgap for low-income households for special occasions and milestones. Our Back-to-School program ensures children have the necessary supplies and clothing to start the academic year with confidence, enabling them to fully engage in their education without the burden of unmet basic needs. Through this annual, seasonal program, low-resourced students are welcome to pick their own school supplies, backpacks, shoes, socks, underwear, and more. Through the generosity of donors and partners like the Smith Martini Foundation, Sharing House is also able to offer new shoes and socks to local youth.
“Children experiencing housing instability often struggle more in school and face mental health challenges compared to their securely housed peers. For many parents, especially with multiple children, the average cost of $120 for classroom supplies is prohibitive.”