What is a Fisher House?
A Fisher House is a “home away from home” where military and Veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes provides free, temporary lodging to the families of military personnel and veterans who are receiving medical treatment. These homes are located near major military and VA medical centers. The purpose of Fisher Houses is to offer a comfortable place for families to stay, enabling them to be close to their loved ones during a time of medical need.
Fisher House Wisconsin
Fisher House Wisconsin is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the construction and operation of Fisher Houses across the state of Wisconsin. The first Fisher House in Wisconsin opened at Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Medical Center in April 2016. The Milwaukee VA Fisher House has already housed over 6,300 military and veteran caregivers. By helping to fund operational expenses, Fisher House Wisconsin ensures that families can stay close to their loved ones during critical medical treatments without financial burden.
Additionally, Fisher House Wisconsin collaborates with the national Fisher House Foundation and the Department of Veterans Affairs to raise funds and awareness for new Fisher Houses in Wisconsin, including the upcoming one in Madison. Together, the Milwaukee and Madison Fisher Houses will provide 11,680 nights of free lodging annually, saving Veterans and their families over $2.3 million in out-of-pocket costs. By supporting these efforts, Fisher House Wisconsin ensures that communities identified by the Department of Veterans Affairs as needing a Fisher House receive the necessary resources and support.
Who is eligible to stay as a guest at Fisher House?
Fisher House guests may include family, friends or caregivers of veterans or military members who are hospitalized or receiving medical care at a VA approved medical facility.
In some circumstances, veterans or military members receiving extended, outpatient VA approved medical care may also be eligible to stay – when accompanied by a caregiver.
Typically, guests must live more than 50 miles away from the VA approved medical facility to qualify, however exceptions may apply.
Guests do not have to be Wisconsin residents.
Guests must be self-sufficient, able to care for themselves independently or be accompanied by a caregiver and be able to stay in an unsupervised setting while abiding by house rules.
For more information about staying at the house, contact:
Torrie Hutchison – Fisher House Manager
Milwaukee VA Fisher House
(414) 384-2000 x 45005 or 45006
Toll-free: 1-888-469-6614
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