General Questions
Q. What is a Fisher House?
A. Fisher Houses provide “a home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. These homes offer free, temporary lodging to military and veterans’ families, allowing them to be close to their loved one during a medical crisis and focus on what’s important—the healing process.
Q. What services are offered?
A. The Fisher Houses have fully furnished bedrooms with private baths. The houses have well-stocked community kitchens and spacious dining and living areas. Features include in-room telephones and cable TV, Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and housekeeping services.
Staying at Fisher House
Q. What are the requirements to stay at a Fisher House? How do I reserve a room?
A. Navy & Marine Corps Fisher Houses provide temporary lodging for service members and their families while they receive medical treatment. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis depending on severity of injury or illness. Accommodations at Navy & Marine Corps Fisher Houses require a referral (link to referral page) prepared and signed by a case manager, social worker, medical provider or military liaison. Prospective guests must be able to care for themselves since no medical care is provided at the Houses.
Q. Is there a charge to stay at a Fisher House?
A. No. Accommodations at Navy & Marine Corps Fisher Houses are completely free of charge.
Q. Do I need to provide my own food and prepare meals?
A. Guests are responsible for purchasing their own food and preparing their own meals. A large kitchen is available for guests to store food and prepare their individual meals. There are limited food items provided by donations to support the Fisher House.
Q. Do I provide my own linens (blankets, towels, etc.)?
A. Like a hotel, we provide fresh linens and towels to guests to use during their stay.
Q. What time is check-in and check-out?
A. Currently check-in time is no later than 3 p.m. so a staff member is available for check-in, orientation and screening. After-hours accommodations must be arranged in advance. Check-out time is 11 a.m.
Volunteering at Fisher House
Q. Do Navy & Marine Corps Fisher Houses need volunteers?
A. Our Navy & Marine Corps Fisher Houses recognize and value the need for volunteers to help accomplish our very important mission. Please visit our Volunteer (link to volunteer page) page for more information.
Visiting a Fisher House
Q. May I stop by to visit a Fisher House?
A. In almost all cases, yes, but please have the courtesy to arrange your visit through the Manager of the House you wish to visit in advance. Individuals or groups wishing to visit a Fisher House should do so during the week, and not over the weekend.