Sharing House Acquires New Property in Brevard
 
Public event Held November 13  

To further our mission and establish enduring solutions to poverty and hunger in Transylvania County, we have acquired one acre of land along with two residences situated at 61 and 119 Duckworth Avenue in Brevard, NC. The property sits across from our existing building and parking lot at 164 Duckworth Avenue.  

Over the past six months, our team and Board of Directors have engaged in a strategic planning process, including listening sessions with community leaders, government officials, nonprofit agencies, businesses, funders, and our Neighbors to identify gaps and solutions that promote sustainable financial independence for low-income residents in Transylvania County. 

Neighbors identified various challenges they face, from the rising cost of living and low wages to the lack of affordable housing, transportation options, childcare, and mental health support. These gaps and possible solutions are being considered by Sharing House leadership.  

Currently, 45 percent of renters in our county struggle with housing costs, and 35 percent of residents are considered low-income. The cost of housing has risen by 31 percent, food by 16 percent, and heating sources by 46 percent from 2022 to 2023, outpacing wage growth.  

A recent study conducted by the City of Brevard in collaboration with the UNC School of Government reveals that current rentals and average home prices are affordable only to households with 120% Area Median Income. Much of this increase in housing costs has been driven by second homes and investor purchases, resulting in less than 1% housing availability. 

“Sharing House received a generous outpouring of support from the community during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Executive Director Shelly Webb. “Our intention has been to look for opportunities to extend our mission and address pressing needs. While our strategic planning process is still underway, clear themes have emerged.” 

Sharing House’s existing services — food, financial crisis assistance, clothing, showers — remain in high demand. We are committed to the continuity of these services in a safe, trauma-informed space that welcomes all people with empathy and understanding. A Master Planning process with a qualified architect/engineer will review the entire footprint and create a plan for the existing building and new property. 

Webb also emphasized that Sharing House will support the existing tenants in the two homes on the property, ensuring that the dwellings remain safe and affordable. 

“Sharing House's purchase of 61 and 119 Duckworth Avenue signifies a significant step in creating lasting solutions to hunger and poverty in Transylvania County,” said Sharing House Board Chair Lora Allemeier. “Our dedication to collaboration and transparency will guide us in living out our mission while ensuring no one is left without a lifeline of support. Together, we will be an example of community engagement and innovation addressing a pressing social need.”  

Our vision

A trauma-informed Neighborhood Empowerment Collaborative/Inspiration Hub

    • Common areas

    • Showers

    • Computers/breakout rooms

    • Mail services

    • Employment support/job training

    • Personal finance

    • Social enterprise solutions 

    • Mental health support/substance use support

    • Peer-to-peer mentoring

  • Neighbor-governed affordable housing community/village with supportive programming  

    • Transitional housing

    • Permanent housing

    • Shared responsibility of residency

    • Equity-building: renters would build a "nest egg," receiving a portion of rent back when they leave

  • Completely free and open-access Neighbor-choice pantry

  • Childcare solutions

  • Expanded transportation solutions

  • Safe area for parking for people sleeping in cars

  • More volunteers

  • Advocacy efforts to elevate the voice of Neighbors and their experiences

    • Changing the definition of poverty 

    • Living/thriving wage 

    • Affordable housing 

    • Basic human needs (water, heat) 

Our ultimate goal is to reduce the state of crisis so Neighbors can thrive.

We are open to collaborating with other nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies to close gaps in services to Transylvania County residents. Please reach out to impact@sharinghouse.org with questions or ideas for partnership.