Our Mission

Our Mission

Transylvania Christian Ministry, a faith based organization, assists Transylvania County residents in need with the basic necessities of life, and opens up opportunities for people to improve the quality of their lives. We also assist the greater community in understanding and responding to these needs.

Our Vission

Transylvania Christian Ministry is a place where people in crisis are impacted in such a way as to significally advance them on thier journey toward self sufficiency.

...Since 1981

In 1980 the Transylvania Ministrial Association enlisted local churches to establish the Transylvania Christian Ministry (TCM), aimed at helping people in crisis. Since service began in May 1981, more churches have joined what has come to be known as "Sharing House."

TCM has grown over the years through the support of private citizens, foundations, and churches of many denominations, and now serves over 14% of the county population each year through various ministries.

...Our Clients

People who come to TCM usually need financial assistance for rent, utilites, and heat in addition to food and clothing. Most have at least a part time job or have a valid reason, such as disablility or age, for not working.

A little help at the right time can prevent losing a home or avoid costly reconnct fees. It can help a family avoid welfare, saving county taxpayers thousands of dollars.

Sharing House is the saftey net for people in crisis. After the crisis has been stabalized, TCM offers families case management through our New Directions program that supports prosperous family life. So often low-income people lack life skills and/or are unable to piece together the building blocks that lead to self-suffiency, even though these resources are available to them. They become dependently "stuck" on public assistance. With TCM's guidance and support, families can truly have hope of leaving poverty behind.

...Sharing House

Sharing House is conveniently located on the corners of Oakdale and Duckworth streets in the midst of the low-income houseing area. Many other social service organizations are located within a short walking distance, making this location an easy access area for our clients. Sharing House has a large parking lot for those who must drive from outlying areas.

Our 10,000 square foot facility was built in 1989 and is completely paid for. As people walk through the doors, they are greeted by a freindly volunteer who will assist them in getting their needs met. Within the comfortable waiting room is an enclosed children's play area filled with toys. Clients are seen by appointment, and eligibility of services is determined at the time the appointment is made. This procedure assures that clients do not have to wait to be seen, and that their needs are met.

A well-trained volunteer brings the client into a private interviewing room, where they can discuss the client's current situation and needs. A voucher system is used to pay for heating, rental, utility bills and furniture. For food requests, the client checks off the items they need on the pantry inventory list. This individualized approach assures that the client's preferences of food are distributed and no unwanted food goes to waste, as could be the case if the food was pre-boxed. People who are in need of clothing are directed to the clothing room which is set up like a regular clothing store.

The Sharing House facility is a welcoming place for people who are in need of some respite. The walls are cheerfully painted, the floors are tiled to maintain the cleanest environment, music is playing, and art is displayed on the walls. The procedures that are in place assure that the client is respected at all times. Anyone who would like more information or a tour of Sharing House click here.