WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi has recommended five VA medical centers to become sites for Fisher Houses, which provide temporary lodging for veterans receiving care at VA medical facilities and for their families.
"Fisher Houses provide a ‘home away from home’ for veterans and their families in their time of need," said Principi. "I appreciate the willingness of the Fisher Foundation to support our veterans."
The recommended sites are at the Houston VA Medical Center; New York Harbor VA Health Care System, Brooklyn campus; VA North Texas Health Care System, Dallas division; VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto division in Calif.; and VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle.
The Fisher House Foundation pays for the construction of the fully furnished houses. They are built on government property and donated to the VA, which then assumes responsibility for their operation and maintenance.
Construction could begin as early as 2004.
The Fisher House Foundation has built and donated six Fisher Houses to the VA and 24 Fisher Houses to the Department of Defense. They provide temporary housing to the families of hospitalized active duty or retired military members and veterans who do not live within commuting distance of the hospital.
For more information on Fisher Houses, go to www.fisherhouse.org on the Internet, or call toll-free (888) 294-8560. For additonal information about the VA Fisher Houses, call Jill Manske, director, VA Social Work Service, at (202) 273-8549.
