The Haven of Transylvania County provides safe, temporary shelter and supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, bridging the gap between crisis and permanent housing. Operating multiple shelter sites serving both single adults and families with children, The Haven offers a locally grounded, low-barrier model — giving Transylvania County residents a safe alternative to sleeping outdoors, in vehicles, or in unsafe situations. Annually, the organization serves approximately 109 individuals and families, providing thousands of nights of safe shelter.
What distinguishes The Haven is the depth of support offered alongside shelter. Shelter Assistants provide round-the-clock presence, overseeing safety, intake coordination, and overnight coverage while also facilitating life skills and cooking classes, supporting sobriety and wellness plans, and helping residents stay engaged in goals related to housing, employment, and recovery. Prior grant funding supported administrative staffing that reduced intake wait times by approximately 20% and ensured that all intakes were scheduled within 24 hours — measurable improvements in access for people in crisis.
Lake Toxaway Charities is proud to support Shelter Assistant salaries, the front-line staffing that keeps The Haven’s emergency and transitional shelter sites operational and effective. The Haven also has plans underway to open a dedicated women’s shelter and a Community Peer Living Room, which will expand shelter options and create a collaborative space for programming, referrals, and peer support.
Partner organizations include the Bread of Life, the Sharing House, the Children’s Center, the Family Place, Blue Ridge Health, Thrive, Love and Respect, Life Works, and the CARE Coalition — a network that allows The Haven to coordinate care and connect guests to the broader resources needed for lasting stability.
Volunteers at the shelter are hard to find because it takes a special person to stay with and monitor the residents. For information on these opportunities please contact Teresa Adkins at teresa@havenoftc.org or 828-877-2044.
Learn More: http://havenoftc.org/
