Wisconsin welcomes second ‘home away from home’ for veteran caregivers

A second “home away from home” is coming to Wisconsin to support families of veterans, offering a vital lifeline for those traveling long distances for specialized medical care. The new Madison VA Fisher House, expected to open by this time next year, will be able to house up to 16 families each night, significantly easing the financial burden on those seeking treatment at Wisconsin VA hospitals.

“We got a shovel in the ground and we’re getting ready to house up to 16 families every single night there,” said Steven Rose, executive director of Fisher House Wisconsin. The facility will provide crucial support to families who often travel significant distances to receive care, particularly for complex procedures like lung, liver, and cardiac transplants.

More than 303,000 veterans call Wisconsin home, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Many rely on the state’s VA hospitals for specialized care, often requiring families to travel long distances and incur significant expenses. The new Fisher House is projected to save families up to $1.1 million annually in out-of-pocket lodging costs.

To qualify for lodging at the Fisher House, families typically must travel more than 50 miles to the Madison VA hospital. However, Rose emphasized that this is not a rigid requirement. “We know there’s family members who don’t drive at night or during inclement weather,” he said. “If you have a veteran who’s going to be receiving care or be hospitalized, ask for an exception to be made.”

The Milwaukee VA Fisher House, which opened in 2016, has already served as a vital lifeline for countless families. To date, it has provided over 20,000 nights of free lodging to more than 7,300 military and veteran caregivers. The facility's success reflects a broader national network of more than 100 Fisher Houses now operating around the world.

One particularly poignant example highlights the profound impact of the Fisher House. Rose shared the story of Lottie Speck, who stayed for 191 consecutive days while her husband, U.S. Army veteran Robert Speck, received treatment at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center.

The demand for Fisher House services is driven by the national recognition of Wisconsin VA hospitals’ excellence. “If a veteran has a spinal cord injury anywhere in the U.S or eastern three quarters, they’re going to get sent to Milwaukee for their initial care,” Rose explained. On any given day, the parking lot at the Milwaukee Fisher House is filled with vehicles bearing license plates from states like Alabama, New Mexico, Texas, and Michigan.

The operation of both the Milwaukee and Madison Fisher Houses is a collaborative effort. The facilities are privately funded through a partnership between the Fisher House Foundation, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and private donations. “We gift that house back. It goes on the VA books and then the VA staffs it,” Rose said, explaining the funding model.

The total cost to build and maintain the new Madison Fisher House is approximately $13 million.

The expansion of Fisher House services reflects a growing community commitment to supporting veterans and their families. Rose, a veteran himself, emphasized the importance of providing a strong support system for veterans and their families, particularly given the often-isolated nature of military service.

The Fisher House Story

The concept of the Fisher House originated in 1990, inspired by the selfless service of the late Second Lieutenant Michael Fisher, who tragically died in a plane crash while volunteering to deliver supplies to troops deployed in Somalia. His parents, Sidney and Shirley Fisher, established the Fisher House Foundation to honor his memory and support military families facing similar hardships. The foundation's mission is to provide “home away from home” lodging for families of active-duty service members and veterans receiving medical care at military and VA hospitals.

The Milwaukee VA Fisher House, opened in 2016, was the 68th of its kind nationwide. Its success quickly demonstrated the critical need for similar facilities in other locations. The decision to build a second Fisher House in Madison was driven by the increasing demand for specialized medical services at the Madison VA hospital and the recognition that families traveling long distances often faced significant financial challenges.

A Welcome Addition to Wauwatosa and Beyond

The announcement of the Madison Fisher House has been met with widespread enthusiasm from local veterans' organizations, community leaders, and residents. Many have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to provide support to families facing difficult circumstances. The Wauwatosa Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) released a statement praising the project as a “vital resource” for veterans and their families.

Local businesses have also stepped up to support the project, with several companies donating materials and services to help build the new facility. The generosity of the community reflects a deep-seated commitment to honoring the sacrifices of our veterans and ensuring that their families receive the care and support they deserve.

More Than Just Lodging

The Fisher House offers more than just a place to stay; it provides a sense of community and support for families facing challenging circumstances. Volunteers often prepare meals, offer childcare services, and provide emotional support to families struggling with the stress of a loved one’s medical treatment. The facility also serves as a gathering place for families to connect with one another and share their experiences.

Looking Ahead for Wisconsin Veterans

With construction now underway, the focus is on completing the Madison Fisher House as quickly and efficiently as possible. The target completion date is by this time next year, allowing the facility to begin serving families in need as soon as possible. The Fisher House Wisconsin team is actively recruiting volunteers and seeking donations to support the ongoing operation of both the Milwaukee and Madison facilities.

Rose emphasized the importance of continued community involvement.

The success of the Madison Fisher House will likely serve as a model for future expansion, potentially leading to the establishment of additional facilities in other parts of Wisconsin. The ongoing need for such resources underscores the importance of maintaining a strong commitment to supporting veterans and their families for years to come.

Getting Involved and Finding Support

For veterans and families seeking assistance, the Fisher House Wisconsin website provides detailed information on eligibility requirements, application procedures, and available services. The site also offers a list of volunteer opportunities and donation options for those interested in supporting the organization.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website (va.gov) provides comprehensive information on VA benefits and services available to veterans and their families, including details on healthcare, housing assistance, and financial support.

Local veterans’ organizations, such as the Wauwatosa VFW (vfw.org), offer a variety of programs and services to support veterans and their families, including advocacy, community outreach, and social events.

Closing paragraph: The opening of the Madison Fisher House represents a significant investment in the well-being of Wisconsin’s veteran community. As construction progresses and the facility prepares to welcome its first families, it serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds of service, sacrifice, and community support that define our state.