Monies raised during the concert are sent to Mercy Corps International, an organization that helps the world's poor. When not on the road, Talbot and his wife, Viola, live at Little Portion, the community he founded in the early 1980s. Modeled after monasteries in the early church, the Brothers and Sisters of Charity at Little Portion are integrated. Membership includes celibate brothers and sisters, married couples, some with children, and single lay people. Its rule is based on that of St. Francis of Assisi.
Members take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience appropriate to their ways of life.
The church granted it canonical status in the early 1990s as a public association of the faithful. It is the only community in North America with that status and one of 10 worldwide. Besides serving as community founder and leader, Talbot is working on his 41st album, Simple Heart , due out in late July or August. He has written 16 books. His new album is based on his experiences with the Office of Readings, that is, the Divine Office or Liturgy of Hours.