About The Haven
Homelessness has many faces - don't turn yours away
Our purposes include:
- meeting the immediate need for shelter
- providing support that coordinates services, shares information, and works with other existing agencies
- working with all available resources to assist the homeless on the road to independence
- participating in bringing longer-term solutions for the homeless to Transylvania County
The story of The Haven
Less than three years ago, homelessness in Transylvania County was almost literally hidden in the woods – people with nowhere to go often sought refuge there.
At the urging of Board of The Bread of Life, Transylvania County’s community kitchen, a task force studied the need for and feasibility of an emergency overnight shelter. A broad spectrum of organizations participated. The task force concluded that an open-plan facility – configured to safely house up to 18 men, women and children – could be optimally utilized.
The Haven of Transylvania County was organized, incorporated, and granted 501(c)(3) status in late 2009. A location was sought within walking distance of other community services; The Bread of Life offered a 40-year, $1-a-year lease on a portion of its South Caldwell Street property as the construction site. A design took shape for a 1400-square-foot facility, and fund raising began.
Ground was broken for the building in January 2011, and The Haven opened its doors on October 31, 2011.
