When a service member or veteran faces a serious medical crisis, the stress on their family is immense. Often, these families must travel hundreds of miles to access specialized care at VA medical centers, leading to financial strain and emotional exhaustion at a time when their focus should be entirely on their loved one’s recovery. This distance can disrupt the support systems that are critical to the healing process, leaving families feeling isolated during the most difficult moments of their lives.
Fisher House Foundation addresses this challenge by providing "a home away from home" for military and veteran families, allowing them to stay close to their loved ones at no cost. The recent dedication of a second Fisher House at the Audie Murphy VA campus in South Texas marks a significant expansion of this support, ensuring more families can access comfortable, supportive lodging during treatment. In this interview, we sat down with a representative from Fisher House Foundation to discuss the impact of this new facility and the organization’s ongoing commitment to military families.
Q: The addition of a second Fisher House at the Audie Murphy VA campus is a major milestone. What specific needs does this expansion address for veterans and their families in South Texas?
Michelle Horn: Fisher House has a tremendous presence in San Antonio. We have nine houses located throughout the area, with four at Brooke Army Medical Center, three at Lackland Air Force Base, and now two at the VA. This second house at the VA doubles capacity for the veteran community by offering 36 rooms per night for veteran and military families.
Q: Fisher Houses are more than just lodging. How does the environment within these houses contribute to the recovery process for patients and the emotional well-being of their families?
Michelle Horn: Fisher Houses immediately relieve the burden of expensive medical costs, but it is what happens inside the houses, the community that grows, that is really so special. Family members find comfort over a cup of coffee with other guests who have gone through similar experiences and may be further along on their medical journeys. They are able to turn to each other during the good moments and the hard ones, which lets them know they are not alone, that others are dealing with similar struggles. Sometimes our guests just feel comforted in being able to do routine things, like make a meal, do their laundry, or sit in a quiet space to check their email when everything else feels chaotic. Fisher House provides this space to rest, recharge, and focus on their loved ones.
Q: With the growing demand for specialized medical care, how does the Foundation determine the locations for new facilities to ensure resources are placed where they are needed most?
Michelle Horn: We work closely with the VA and the military, who tell us where the most need is. We have 17 locations on our identified needs list. Of those, three are under construction, and several more are in design. Hospitals directly request Fisher Houses, and the VA and military validate the need. There are many factors that affect the timing, as with most construction projects. We will dedicate a new Fisher House at the end of September in Montrose, New York, and a new house in West Palm Beach, Florida in November.
Q: Beyond physical housing, your foundation provides various support programs, such as Hero Miles and scholarships. How do these initiatives integrate with the "home away from home" mission?
Michelle Horn: We have several programs beyond our Fisher Houses that align with our mission to care for military and veteran families. Our Hero Miles program uses donated frequent flyer miles to purchase airline tickets, allowing us to help get families to the bedside of their wounded, injured, or ill service members. When a Fisher House is full, we purchase hotel rooms through our Hotels for Heroes program. Beyond that, we offer scholarships to honor the entire family that serves and to continue easing financial burdens, and we have a grant program, the Fisher Service Awards, that helps other nonprofits with innovative programs to support the military and veteran community.
Q: As we look toward the future, what are the primary challenges the Fisher House Foundation faces in sustaining its mission, and how can communities continue to support these efforts?
Michelle Horn: At Fisher House, we know the need to help military and veteran families will only continue to grow. Korean War and Vietnam veterans need expanded care and our Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan veterans are leaving the military and having increased needs through the VA. People wanting to help can give their time, talent, or treasure. We have many volunteer opportunities through local Fisher Houses; we are always looking for fundraisers, and donations are always welcome. More information can be found on our website at www.fisherhouse.org. Even sharing about our mission can make a difference by helping someone learn about the resources we offer.
The opening of the second Fisher House at the Audie Murphy VA campus highlights the enduring necessity of keeping families connected during medical care. By removing the financial burden of lodging, the Foundation allows families to focus their energy on what truly matters: supporting their service member or veteran through treatment and recovery. The stories emerging from these houses consistently demonstrate that proximity to loved ones is a fundamental component of effective healthcare.
As medical technology and treatment options continue to advance, the demand for supportive, family-centered environments will only increase. Fisher House Foundation remains a cornerstone of the military support system, proving that human connection is just as vital as clinical expertise. By continuing to expand these havens of healing, the Foundation ensures that no family is forced to navigate the complexities of a medical crisis alone.
To learn more visit https://www.fisherhouse.org/