"The Haven foundation was founded by King to provide financial assistance to writers and artists, who, because of an injury or illness, are not able to provide for themselves and for their loved ones," a press release from the writer's official Web site says. "The charity offers a wide range of support for artists who make their living on a freelance basis and might not be able to work for a period of time."
King, who was unable to work fully after a serious car accident in June 1999, founded the organization after a benefit performance with bestselling authors John Irving and J. K. Rowling.
"The majority of mid-list writers, audio readers, artists and freelancers have little or no financial cushion in the event of a sudden catastrophic accident," the release quotes King as saying. "Many aren't affiliated with any professional associations or guilds that can help them in the event of such reversals."
The writer is also involved in other philanthropic activities - he makes contributions to the American Cancer Society and sponsors a local high school.
Stephen Edwin King began writing at the age of seven after finding a box of horror books in his aunt's house. Stephen King has written under the pen names of Richard Bachman and John Swithen.
His books, such as The Long Walk, Carrie, The Dead Zone, The Mist, Salem's Lot, Thinner, have become legends of the horror genre.
He has also written novels in other genres, such as Different Seasons, The Green Mile, The Eyes of the Dragon, Hearts in Atlantis and The Dark Tower series.
Many of his works have been made into motion pictures, including 1408, Children of the Corn, Carrie, Cujo, The Langoliers, Misery, The Shining, Stand by Me, Christine, Pet Cemetery and others.
King lives in Maine and Florida with his wife, novelist Tabitha King.
