Image courtesy of FisherHouse.org
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has approved 12 new VA medical centers for future Fisher Houses to keep veterans’ loved ones together during medical care.
These homes provide short-term accommodations for families and caregivers of hospitalized active-duty or retired military members and Veterans who do not live within commuting distance of a hospital.
“Fisher Houses help enhance VA’s services and resources, providing Veterans, their families and caregivers a comforting space to reside during potentially stressful times of recovery and rehabilitation,” said Acting VA Secretary Dat Tran. “The new priority sites will expand the VA Fisher House footprint to 76 homes. These homes sit on VA hospital campuses and are free to our Veterans, families and caregivers.”
Approved sites located in the U.S. include:
- Atlanta VA Health Care System
- Carl Vinson VA Medical Center
- Central Arkansas Veterans Health Care System
- Durham VA Health Care System
- Fargo VA Health Care System
- Fayetteville Coastal Health Care System
- Iowa City VA Health Care System
- Memphis VA Healthcare System
- Oklahoma City VA Health Care System
- Phoenix VA Health Care System
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital
In addition to 15 houses in various stages of construction planning, the Fisher House Foundation has donated and built 49 Fisher Houses for VA and 42 for the Department of Defense (DOD). Upon completion of a Fisher House, VA and DOD assume responsibility for their operation, maintenance, upkeep and staffing.
In 2019 and 2020, VA Fisher Houses accommodated more than 47,401 families, saving guests more than $32 million in lodging expenses.
Program Overview
According to the VA, this veterans benefits program is, "a home away from home for families and Caregivers of Veterans and Active Duty Military receiving treatment at major military and VA medical facilities. VA Fisher House accommodations are provided at no cost to guests and located within walking distance of the treatment facility. VA Fisher Houses provide temporary accommodations at no cost for Veterans, Active Duty Military, their families and Caregivers while receiving treatment through a VA Medical Facility."
Individuals may request Fisher House accommodations by contacting the Fisher House directly or their assigned VA social worker.
