About the Houses

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 38 Fisher Houses, with five more in construction. Learn more about Future Houses.

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Download PDF of the house locations and managers

Description

Typically, the houses are 5,000+ to 16,000 square foot homes donated by the Fisher family and Fisher House™ Foundation. Each house is designed to provide eight 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. 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 2.5 million days of lodging to more than 110,000 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. Effective October 1, 2006, all room fees for guest families at all Army, Navy, and Air Force Fisher Houses are paid by Fisher House Foundation.  There are no room fees at Fisher Houses operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

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.

2006 Highlights

· Families served: More than 10,000
· Average length of stay: 12-14 days
· Average (combat casualties): 45-60 days
· Average occupancy level: 90%
· Average cost per day: None
· Saved families more than $10 million in lodging costs, plus food and transportation

Since Inception

· Families served: More than 110,000
· Number of lodging days offered: 2 million
· Saved families more than $90 million in lodging costs, plus savings on subsistence and transportation costs