Thanks for what you do

There are so many individuals, groups and organizations who do a lot of good things in Transylvania County that it’s perhaps unfair to draw attention to just one or two of them. However, two of our local nonprofits - Sharing House and Habitat for Humanity – seem to be consistently providing concrete impacts that positively help people in the community. In today’s paper there is a story about Sharing House’s “Wheels to Work” program where those who qualify can get a used vehicle so they can do all the necessary things many of us take for granted in an area with limited public transportation. As reported, one of those who received a vehicle will make $20 monthly car payments, a reasonable amount that promotes a sense of ownership. This program is just one of the many provided by Sharing House, which offers clothing, food, crisis assistance and other resources to meet its mission of cultivating “lasting solutions to hunger and poverty.” Habitat for Humanity is another that provides tangible long-lasting impacts.

Habitat recently announced its 72nd built home. A woman in Rosman again has the security of her own roof over her head, while a county native just celebrated having his own one-bedroom home after renting for most of his life and was facing homelessness. Earlier this year, in light of rising costs including materials, real estate and rents, Habitat began building one-bedroom units which it said is the highest priority in the county.

Those who are approved for these homes also typically have to contribute some “sweat equity” during the construction, another way to instill a true sense of ownership and pride that what you receive isn’t just a handout.

To find out more about Sharing House, go to www.sharinghouse.org or call (828) 884-2866. To find out more about Habitat for Humanity, go to www.TransylvaniaHabitat.org or call (828) 862-5117.