Fisher House Will Expand Support for Military & Veteran Families at Richmond Veterans Hospital

Ground was broken today for a new Fisher House at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center. Mayor Levar Stoney, David Coker, President of Fisher House Foundation, Leo O’ Donnell, Chairman of the Richmond Fisher House Foundation Board of Directors, and VA Medical Center Associate Director Alan Lombardo participated in the ceremony.

This home will provide lodging for an additional 20 families of veterans and military at no cost, allowing them to be close to their loved ones at the most stressful time – during their hospitalization. This will bring the total number of families served by Fisher House at Richmond VAMC to 40 a night, savings to military and veterans’ families more than $1.4 million a year.

A Fisher House creates an instant community for its residents, united by their common mission of supporting a sick or injured loved one, but also provides each individual with a secure and private refuge after a long day at the hospital to rest and recharge.

The new 20-suite, 16,800 sq.-ft.“comfort home” will join the original Fisher House opened in 2008.  Each bedroom suite comes equipped with a private, handicapped-accessible bathroom. Common areas include a spacious kitchen, large communal living, dining and family rooms, laundry room and patio. There are now 78 Fisher Houses operating in the United States and Europe.

“Even after the first Fisher House was opened in Richmond in 2008, we were aware of how much additional support was needed to support military and veterans’ families from all over the country,” said David Coker.  “They travel long distances for treatment provided by the Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center at this hospital, making free lodging a life-changing necessity.  This second home represents a gift from a grateful nation.”

Construction of this Fisher House is being supported by: Altria, Capital One Services, LLC, Cardinal Health Foundation, Dominion Energy, the PGA, Team Fisher House Fundraisers, Vehicles for Veterans,and the many gifts of a grateful nation.