BREVARD — As a part of the 50th anniversary of the Diocese of Charlotte this year, each parish has been challenged with finding new ways to be charitable within their communities. Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Brevard became aware of the need for a new playground at The Haven, the only option Transylvania County has for its families experiencing homelessness. In 2021, Haven House provided shelter and respite for 810 people in their community, including 186 children.

The existing playground at The Haven was old and no longer safe for children to use. Sacred Heart parishioners committed to helping raise the $28,000 needed to remove the old, unsafe playground and replace it with a new one for its Act of Charity. The entire parish community rallied behind the project.

Thanks to parishioners’ generosity, and a partnership with the Bikulege Foundation, Sacred Heart raised the necessary funds in less than a month. There was also a little extra available to assist with funding the landscaping surrounding the playground.

On Aug. 3, The Haven invited its supporters to a ribbon cutting to celebrate the new playground. Everyone who attended was so happy and excited because they knew what a blessing the playground will be for the children currently residing at The Haven. The new playground will provide a safe place for the children simply to be children amid circumstances beyond their control.

The Haven conveyed their deep-felt gratitude for Sacred Heart Parish’s help and were excited about what the playground will mean for the families they serve. The Haven thanked them for their generosity and prayers and acknowledged that without Sacred Heart’s support, the new playground would not have become a reality so quickly.

The parishioners and staff at Sacred Heart Parish said they were excited to be a part of something important within their community and show the “heart” of Sacred Heart Church. By coming together, they were able to make a meaningful difference in their community.

— Virginia Garramone