About the Houses

About the Houses - "a home away from home"

Overview

A Fisher House is "a home away from home" for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facility or have transportation available. There are 61 Fisher Houses located on 23 military installations and 22 VA medical centers. Many more houses are under construction or in design - Future Houses.

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Description

Typically, the houses are 5,000 to 16,800 square foot homes donated by the Fisher family and Fisher House Foundation. Each house is designed to provide 8 to 21 suites. All are professionally furnished and decorated in the tone and style of the local region. The houses can accommodate 16 to 42 family members. They feature a common kitchen, laundry facilities, spacious dining room and an inviting living room with library, and toys for children. Newest houses are 100% handicap accessible and include elevators. A Fisher House is a temporary residence and is not a treatment facility, hospice or counseling center. The program began in 1990, and has offered more than three million days of lodging to more than 160,000 families.

Responsibilities

Fisher Houses are given to the U. S. Government as gifts. Military service secretaries and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the homes. The Fisher House Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, builds new houses, and assists in the coordination of private support and encourages public support for the homes.

Eligibility and Cost

Criteria established locally by hospital or installation commanders. Families do not pay to stay at a Fisher House. Fees at Army, Navy, and Air Force Fisher Houses are underwritten by Fisher House Foundation.

Volunteers

Fisher Houses have full-time salaried managers, but depend on volunteers and voluntary support to enhance daily operations and program expansion. The Fisher House Foundation, Inc., and many individual Fisher Houses receive support through the Combined Federal Campaign.

2012 Highlights

  • Families served: More than 19,000
  • Average length of stay: 10 days
  • Average length of stay for combat casualties: 45-60 days
  • Saved families more than $30 million in lodging costs, plus food and transportation
  • Daily capacity: 735 families

Since 1990

  • Families served: More than 180,000
  • Number of lodging days offered: Over 4.7 million
  • Saved families more than $200 million in lodging and transportation costs