FRIENDS OF FISHER HOUSE CHARLESTON INC

South Carolina has the 15th largest veteran population in the country (390,000, according to Cv4a.org/the-overwatch/VA-facility-South-Carolina). On www.research.va.gov/current-stats website, 53% of those veterans suffer from physical chronic health conditions and 33% suffer from mental health conditions. Veterans from 22 counties in South Carolina and Georgia rely on medical treatment at the Ralph H. Johnson Medical Center located in downtown Charleston, S.C. The medical center has a main campus which provides primary care and specialty health services, including cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, mental health services, post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, treatment for substance abuse, cardiology, oncology, military sexual trauma, and more.

At the same time, 7.40% of veterans live below the poverty guidelines and according to the US census.gov., and there are 49,865 homeless vets living in South Carolina. Getting to the medical center without a car can be expensive; the average cost of an Amtrak train ticket from other cities in South Carolina to Charleston is $132.00 (www.Amtrak.Guide.com/stations/Amtrak-station-South-Carolina) and a bus ticket can cost $110.00 (www.wanderu.com/en-us/bus-tickets/us-SC/Charleston).

Prior to the opening of Friends of Fisher House Charleston in 2018, in addition to getting to Charleston, veterans requiring medical treatment at the Ralph H. Johnson Medical Center either had to pay for a hotel room (average cost according to Kayak of a downtown hotel is $225/night), slept in their cars or, if permitted, the patient’s hospital room, or drove back and forth from the hospital to their homes in one of the 22 counties served by the hospital. Since the Ralph H Johnson Medical Center serves 22 counties in South Carolina and Georgia, veterans and their families have had to drive as far away as 160 miles one way (for those living in Georgia) and 126 miles one way (for those living in South Carolina). All four options resulted in a huge additional strain on the family’s emotional and/or financial ability to focus on their loved one’s recovery and wellbeing.

FOFH opened its doors in January 2018 to provide sixteen private guest rooms with bathrooms, sitting space and shared laundry and kitchen facilities, and transportation to/from the medical center so that caregivers could focus on their loved one’s recovery. All of this is provided at no cost to the veteran or family who otherwise could not afford lodging.

The upkeep of this tranquil space requires constant vigilance, funds and acknowledgement of the value and importance of its mission to serve Veterans and their families during difficult times. Thanks to its devoted and empathetic staff, board of directors, volunteers and generous donors, FOFH is committed to remaining a beacon of support for those who have already sacrificed a lot. From the minute a family walks through the doors they are welcomed like family, given a tour of the facilities, shown their large and welcoming private sitting/sleeping room with a large bathroom. In the communal kitchen, families are provided with their own cabinets and refrigeration space. The kitchen has numerous snacks, coffee, tea and soft drinks that are always available. Home-cooked dinner each night is provided by volunteers to add to the family style ambience. The house has a variety of sitting spaces, a large dining area, laundry room and beautifully landscaped outdoor area. Every aspect of the house and its amenities have been thoughtfully curated to create a warm, friendly and calm environment.

The main collaboration is with the VA. While the VA staffs and maintains the physical house, Friends of Fisher House Charleston's team of board members, volunteers and donors provide for all the lodgers' needs so that the family/caregiver can focus on their loved one's wellbeing and recovering in a 'Home Away from Home". Arrangements for reduced rates with local hotels and taxi services were established to provide for an overflow of guests and transportation to and from the medical center when needed.

Civic groups, rotary clubs, corporate and individual volunteer groups participate in a variety of efforts to benefit Friends of Fisher House Charleston. There is a Meal Train opportunity for volunteers to shop, cook and serve home-cooked dinners every evening. Volunteers/corporate groups host game nights, seasonal clean-ups and holiday decorations.

Measuring Tools and Outcomes:
Accessibility -Friends of Fisher House is accessible to Veterans and their families at no cost
Efficiency -Team members continuously monitor and addresses specific needs of the vets and families
Sustainability -As awareness of Friends of Fisher House continues to grow, more individuals, foundations and businesses are partnering with FOFH to support their excellent work
Satisfaction -The smiles on the veterans and their families, friendships made and the many thank you letters and testimonials reflect the appreciation and satisfaction of the families staying at FOFH

Outcomes:
• Saving veterans and family members additional costs during challenging times.
• Friends of Fisher House Charleston takes its mission very seriously to foster a sense of community, create a network of compassion, understanding and support that embraces the guest families’ needs as they navigate the complexities of medical treatment. FOFH's dedicated team of volunteers, donors, and partners work tirelessly to ensure that the family does not feel alone during their journey.
• A network of caring individuals professionals is created to support the veteran and family members, providing them with referrals, contacts and other assistance.
• “Being a volunteer has lots of benefits. It can bring meaning and purpose to your life, while increasing your self-esteem and wellbeing. Volunteering can also relieve stress and alleviate symptoms of depression... have a positive impact on your community, improve your relationships.” (www.healthdirect.gov)

Since its opening, more than 7,250 families have stayed at FOFH.