Sharing House

Sharing House was founded in 1981 when several local congregations committed their faith, heart, resources and hands to one simple mission: "To love our neighbors as ourselves." Today we are over 40 congregations and thousands of individuals and businesses who work together to alleviate suffering in our county. Sharing House is a source of compassion and crisis assistance for our low-income (up to 200% above poverty line) neighbors in Transylvania County, where we offer food and fresh produce, gently-used clothes, rent and utility assistance, household goods, camping equipment, hot showers, a safe place to share stories of struggle... and a refuge of social interaction. We also empower people who seek paths to self-reliance, through special programs such as "Wheels to Work" and the Bridges Out of Poverty mentoring class called "Getting Ahead". Transylvania Christian Ministry seeks to make real the incarnation love of God to all who come through our doors, whether as someone seeking assistance or a volunteer. Instead of viewing our ministry as "to the poor", we are intentionally changing our language and practice to being in ministry "for all". Being in ministry with one another, where everyone experiences an abundance of grace, brings about a mutuality of relationship. We all become vulnerable. No one is left at arms length away. We discover we all have something to give. We all have deep needs for a better life. We all have power and a sense of belonging. We have shared life! Sharing House is a place where we can see this kind of love in action, embodied in the very people who gather here. When the door opens, there is a buzz of welcoming words. Minds and hearts come together to solve problems. Resources of food, clothes and money are shared when there are identified needs. We work together to teach and encourage one another about the struggles our community faces in helping everyone to thrive.