We’re excited to announce our recent grant award of $500,000 to Family House. The grant was made to support the capital campaign, Under One Roof: The Campaign for Family House. Family House, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, provides a safe, comforting, and affordable “home away from home” for patients and their families who travel to Pittsburgh hospitals for expert medical treatment.
The idea for Family House was conceived in early 1980. Oncology patients were often missing treatments because they lacked transportation to Pittsburgh and a place to stay once they had arrived. A small group of community leaders and doctors noted that countless family members were sleeping in hospital corridors and waiting rooms for nights on end as their loved ones received medical care. They knew something had to be done.
Family House is Established
They established Family House and raised enough money to refurbish a rundown Pittsburgh mansion. Families of patients with life-threatening illnesses could now stay in comfortable surroundings at very little expense. They could even cook their own meals in the communal kitchen to avoid the expense of eating out. The 39 rooms immediately filled up. Over the next 26 years, three more locations opened, and each filled up just as quickly.
As the years progressed, it proved challenging to maintain all four facilities. Added to this challenge, their administrative staff was in a separate location. After a long-term feasibility study was done, they determined that maintaining four facilities was not sustainable. Around this same time, a board member learned that the local Shadyside Courtyard by Marriott closed during the pandemic and was up for sale. The opportunity to buy the nearby hotel was a “dream come true” says Jennifer March, Executive Director. It was perfect timing!
Capital Campaign Begins
Shortly thereafter, the purchase of the hotel was secured. A $16 million capital campaign was implemented to help support the costs associated with purchasing and renovating the new facility. The hotel sits directly across from the major hospital in Pittsburgh making its location ideal. They opened their doors to families in July of 2022.
The beautiful facility includes lounges on each floor, a reflection room, a large upscale communal kitchen, and numerous beautiful spaces both inside and out where guests can gather with family or to find solace and reflection. All guests, staff, and volunteers are finally under one roof.
Eileen Gross, Founder and President of Phillips Charitable Foundation (PCF), toured the newly consolidated Family House during the organization’s grand opening gala in May. She was impressed to say the least! She heard inspiring stories from patients and saw first-hand the care and commitment from staff and volunteers. Family House supports patients and families when they are at their most vulnerable and in need of comfort, safety, and understanding. She realized that its mission aligned with the Foundation’s benefactor, Howard W. Phillips, Jr.
With the PCF grant, Family House has secured commitments totaling nearly $13.1 million toward its $16 million goal.
We are thrilled that the new lobby and reception area at the recently opened Family House location will be named after Howard W. Phillips Jr.
Once Family House announced the grant from PCF, we noticed many heartfelt comments coming in from staff, patients, and family members of patients. One of the comments that caught our attention was from Michelle D.
So grateful for your support and donation to Family House in Pittsburgh. My husband and I travel back and forth every week from Maryland to Pittsburgh for treatments at UPMC Shadyside. The reduced cost for a place to stay at Family House has helped tremendously. They also have a nice group of staff and volunteers.
PCF Board Member Alexandra Crowley hand-delivered the grant check to Family House. The stained-glass window in the photo was taken from the original Family House location and was moved to the newly renovated space. Pictured from left to right are: Family House Board Chair G. Reynolds Clark, Family House Executive Director Jennifer March, Phillips Charitable Foundation founding Board Member Alexandra Crowley, and Family House Project and Capital Campaign Chairman, Glen Feinberg.
Family House has secured its long-term presence within convenient access to the region’s world-class medical care with the opening of the new facility. At Phillips Charitable Foundation, we are honored to support their efforts.
