Last Updated on June 20, 2023
At Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to Live Abundantly in WNC. Right now, with high rates of unemployment and limited services available, that is difficult for many in our communities. It is especially difficult for those who were struggling before the outbreak of COVID-19.
Today, we shine a spotlight on a local organization that is still actively working to help people who have lost their homes from losing their hope, as well. We invite you to learn more about The Haven of Transylvania County and how you can help them meet their mission.
What is The Haven of Transylvania County?
The Haven of Transylvania County is an overnight shelter that provides respite for those who have suddenly and unexpectedly fallen into homelessness or those who are chronically homeless. The Haven offers several locations for men, women, and families until they can get back onto their feet.
What services do they offer?
Homeless men and women in Transylvania County are often found making their beds in the woods or in their cars. In addition, around 150 students each year become homeless or precariously housed. The Haven and Haven Family House offer temporary shelter, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and staff that treat residents with dignity and genuine care.
What is The Haven?
The Haven is a safe and secure 18-bed overnight shelter to temporarily house homeless men and women. Through their open floor plan, trained volunteers and professional staff can monitor activity in the facility throughout the early evening and night. In addition to offering a safe, warm bed, The Haven offers laundry facilities, showers, mail service, and telephone messaging services.
What is Haven Family House?
The Haven Family House is a five-bedroom house renovated to provide a safe, secure home for families that are in crisis. Many of these families can no longer afford housing on their own. Like The Haven, the Haven Family House offers laundry facilities, showers, mail service, and telephone messaging services.
Staff of both facilities help residents determine what steps they need to take to move on to stable, affordable housing. The staff of The Haven will refer clients to community agencies that provide needed counseling, medical and dental services, GED programs, and in several instances, employment. Residents are expected to complete goal plans and move forward to bettering their life.
How can I support The Haven of Transylvania County?
Even if you’ve never spent a cold night in the forest or a car, you can imagine how frightening and overwhelming it is to find yourself without a roof over your head or walls to keep the wind out. The Haven is always looking for financial support to help them continue their operations and provide hope where there is none.
The Haven is also regularly looking for volunteers to help with their day-to-day operations. (Note: The Haven may not be taking new volunteers until operations return to normal; see below.) Sunday and evening volunteers answer phones and assist residents with their needs. Overnight volunteers visit with residents, provide them with soap and shampoo if needed, and answer the phone. This is the best shift because you get to sleep and the residents make you coffee in the morning! The Haven does not accept residents who are using drugs, though some are in recovery, making the shelter safer for residents and volunteers alike.
Is The Haven open right now?
The Haven serves a population that may be at high risk for COVID-19. Because of this, their office is currently closed. However, their shelters remain open to current guests, staff, and volunteers who have not traveled in the last 30 days.
If you need assistance or to schedule an intake appointment, call the phone number listed below.
Get more by giving back
Every day, our agents and staff impress us by their involvement in strengthening community efforts through service and financial support. We encourage you to get involved, too.
Help support our neighbors now and in the future! Give of your time and money to an organization that means something to you. Reach out to The Haven of Transylvania County or contact your Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks agent to learn about local efforts to help homeless persons in our community.
The Haven of Transylvania County
240 S Caldwell Street, Brevard | (828) 877-2040
