Officials aim to add 20 new Fisher houses over four years

[lebkuchen]

The Fisher House Foundation hopes to build at least five houses a year for the next four years, to help meet the growing needs of injured troops and their families.

The foundation, established in 1990, provides free short-term housing to families tending to recovering military or veteran patients

Officials are already building four comfort houses this year, and have unveiled plans for at least two more in 2008. To date, the group has built 35 Fisher Houses, and two more are under construction.

But Jim Weiskopf, spokesman for the foundation, said military and VA hospitals around the country have told foundation officials that they could easily support more of the facilities, because of the demands recovery and rehabilitation place on military families.

“If we can get the funding, building five a year will get us closer to meeting that need,” he said. “Even when the war in Iraq is finished, there will still be veterans and families who need these houses.”

Each home costs about $4 million to build and furnish, and the affiliated hospitals agree to handle all maintenance costs.


http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=43005

I wonder why Bush didn't mention in his SOTU what his plan was to ensure that the families of our wounded would be provided for when they travel to military hospitals to be with their loved ones.

[babylonsister]

1. Lots of benefits being taken away. I read on DU today about social workers

for devastated vets getting the ax, not mandatory, no money. I'll look for the link.

[lebkuchen]

2. Amazing, isn't it?

This may be the link you're referring to.

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2007/01/tnsWounded070119/

[babylonsister]

4. Yes, that's it, thanks! nt

[MADem]

3. They are fantastic facilities--reallly nice, warm and welcoming.

It is a shame that they are needed....

[babylonsister]

5. 'Shame' doesn't even begin to cover it. nt