What is NAHHH?
Established in 1986, the National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses, Inc. is a caring association of more than 150 nonprofit organizations located throughout the U.S. that provide family-centered lodging and support services to families and their loved ones who are receiving medical treatment far from their home communities. To encourage the development and growth of these homes, the NAHHH offers its membership educational opportunities, serves as a network for information exchange and provides basic assistance to groups interested in creating similar programs. The National Association of Hospital Hospitality Houses, Inc. promotes and assists not-for-profit programs that provide lodging and supportive services in a caring environment for families receiving medical care away from home.

It All Started With a Sick Child
The first home, in Buffalo, was purchased in January 1972 by Cyril and Claudia Garvey of Sharon, Pennsylvania, whose son had died of leukemia. The Garveys wanted to help others who found themselves in similar situations. After extensive renovations, the "Kevin Guest House" opened on July 26, 1972. This house became an inspiration for the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia in 1974, which, in turn, was the model for more than 160 other "Houses That Love Built" throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and now, South America. Other homes grew out of a local or regional need, serving a specific illness or audience. The American Cancer Society's Hope Lodges, homes for adult cancer patients and their families; and the Fisher Houses ‹homes for military personnel and their dependents who are receiving care at U.S. military hospitals‹ both developed as a result of such needs. The NAHHH provides a support network for all these special homes, as well as others that serve families facing similar medical crises. Developed at a grassroots level, these homes have been established as a result of the actions of local citizens, churches, hospital auxiliaries, service organizations and other volunteer-based community groups. Most of these houses are located within walking distance of the hospital; some are within the hospital itself. The basic philosophy, however, remains the same to provide a caring "home away from" to all.

Many Have Called It Home!
Nationally, more the 150 NAHHH member/houses provide warm, caring support for over a quarter of a million people each year. From the start, the NAHHH has grown steadily, successfully promoting the development of new houses, while lending assistance to members for the improvement of their operational, fund development and public awareness efforts. Visit any NAHHH member/house and one can recognize immediately that it has the style and atmosphere of a special place in which guests can relax and feel at home, yet each operates with skill and compassion. Most operate on budgets that would seem unbelievably small by corporate standards.

Healthcare Costs Reduced
The need for family-centered lodging during long-term illnesses has become an increasing concern with the medical community. As hospitals address the matter of cost containment, more and more procedures are performed today on an out-patient basis, often including same-day surgical care. On-going treatments, like radiation or chemotherapy, may not require overnight hospitalization, but usually involve a series of exhausting treatments for patients, especially if daily-round trips to the hospital are required. Even when medical treatment is covered by insurance, living expenses are not. Families cannot afford expensive hotels or motels. To reduce healthcare costs, NAHHH member/houses offer inexpensive accommodations (usually $5 to $15, sometimes free) during hospitalizations, before and after surgery, and during repeated visits. A hospitality house truly becomes a family1s "home away from home."

For More Information
The NAHHH maintains information on all known facilities offering accommodations to people during medical treatment away from home. A directory of NAHHH member/houses is updated regularly and published annually. Free copies are available to all members. And our "Hospitality Hotline" (800-542-9730 daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST) and this World Wide Web site makes information on all hospitality houses available to anyone at no charge.