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.
30k in 30 days
This Valentines Day as you think about your special someone, remember the importance of loving a neighbor. We can all come together by donating just $10.00 between Feb. 14th and March 14th and raise $30,000 in 30 days, toward heating assistance for a neighbor. Donate Now
Did You Know:
1. You cannot purchase paper products or cleaning supplies with food stamps.
2. TCM, Sharing House saw 6335 clients last year
3. Between 2008 and 2011, the pounds of food distributed through our pantry has increased 135%, going from 76,400 lbs in 2008 to 180,000 lbs in 2011.
Needs Box:
We need pots and pans, warm blankets, towels, firewood, and tents. In our pantry we are in need of chicken noodle, baked beans, spaghetti and spaghetti sauce, canned chicken, deodarant, laundry detergent, shampoo, dish detergent, cleanser, and feminine products. We also need volunteers for Pantry and Reception. Please fill out the volunteer form on the contact page for more information.
30K in 30 Days!
Warm a Heart, Warm a Home...
This Valentines Day as you think about your special someone, remember the importance of loving a neighbor. We can all come together by donating just $10.00 between Feb. 14th and March 14th and raise $30,000 in 30 days, toward heating assistance for a neighbor. Lets keep Transylvania warm lets winter!
Donate Now
Feburary 14th - March 14th!
Sharing House Needs:
We Need Your Help!
We need pots and pans, warm blankets, towels, firewood, and tents. In our pantry we are in need of chicken noodle, baked beans, spaghetti and spaghetti sauce, canned chicken, deodarant, laundry detergent, shampoo, dish detergent, cleanser, and feminine products. We also need volunteers for Pantry and Reception. Please fill out the volunteer form on the contact page for more information.
Volunteers Needed!
Join us for a tour!
Come in and take a tour. Every Tuesday from 12:00 pm -12:30 pm, Angela Leopard, Administration Manager at Sharing House, welcomes you to join her for a tour of the facility and all that we have to offer to each individual volunteer. Please come join us.
1 day a week, 4 days a month, 3 hours a shift....Share your love with a neighbor, become a volunteer!
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 Vision
Transylvania Christian Ministry is a place where people in crisis are impacted in such a way as to significantly advance them on their journey toward self sufficiency.
...Since 1981
In 1980 the Transylvania Ministerial 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, utilities, and heat in addition to food and clothing. Most have at least a part time job or have a valid reason, such as disability or age, for not working.
A little help at the right time can prevent losing a home or avoid costly reconnect fees. It can help a family avoid welfare, saving county taxpayers thousands of dollars.
Sharing House is the safety net for people in crisis. After the crisis has been stabilized, 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-sufficiency, 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 housing 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 friendly 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.
