Milwaukee VA Fisher Hosue

Milwaukee VA Fisher House

The Milwaukee VA Fisher House is a home away from home for the families and caregivers of Veterans receiving care at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center. It provides free temporary lodging in a comfortable, relaxed environment just a few blocks from the medical center so families can stay close to the care and support their loved ones.

A Home Away From Home for Military and Veteran Families

The Milwaukee VA Fisher House provides a home away from home for the families and caregivers of Veterans receiving medical care at the Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Located just steps from the hospital, the Fisher House offers free, temporary lodging in a warm, comfortable setting so families can remain close to their loved one during a medical crisis — without the added stress of hotel costs or long commutes.

What Is a Fisher House?

A Fisher House is part of a nationwide network of comfort homes built through a partnership between the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Fisher House Foundation. These homes are constructed and furnished through private philanthropy and then donated to VA medical centers, where they are operated for the benefit of military and Veteran families.

Each Fisher House is designed to feel like a real home, not a hospital extension. Families have access to:

• Private suites with bedrooms and bathrooms

• Shared kitchens, dining rooms, and living areas

• Laundry facilities

• Outdoor spaces for rest and reflection

Our History & Impact in Milwaukee

The Milwaukee VA Fisher House was House Number 68 in the national Fisher House network and officially opened in April 2016.

Since opening its doors, the house has made a profound impact on families across Wisconsin and beyond:

• Over 7,300 military and Veteran caregivers served

• More than 20,000 nights of free lodging provided

• Millions of dollars saved for families facing extended medical stays

For nearly a decade, this house has helped ensure that families never have to choose between being present for their loved one and managing the financial burden of travel and lodging.

Who Is Eligible to Stay?

Stays at the Milwaukee VA Fisher House are provided at no cost, but all guests must be referred by the VA. Eligibility is determined by the VA and the Fisher House manager.

General eligibility guidelines include:

• The Veteran must be receiving inpatient care at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center or at a VA-approved community care facility

• Guests typically live 50 miles or more from the medical center or face significant travel barriers

• Guests must be medically stable and able to stay in a non-medical, unsupervised environment

Please note:
A referral or request for lodging does not guarantee a room. Stays are based on eligibility and availability.

How to Arrange a Stay

Families cannot self-refer to the Fisher House.

To request accommodations:

1. A VA social worker or VA care team member submits a referral

2. The Fisher House manager reviews eligibility and room availability

3. Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, prioritizing medical need

If you believe a Fisher House stay may be helpful, speak directly with your VA care team.

How You Can Help Support Families

The Milwaukee VA Fisher House exists because people believe that families belong together during times of medical need.

Volunteer

Volunteers help create a welcoming, supportive environment for families by:

• Providing meals or snacks

• Supporting donation drives

• Assisting with special projects and family support efforts

👉 Volunteer with Fisher House Wisconsin

Donate

Your gift helps ensure families can focus on healing — not hotel bills.