Discovering Fisher House Wisconsin: A Home Away From Home for Veterans and Families

Yesterday, I had the incredible privilege of visiting the Fisher House in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and meeting with Steven Rose, the Executive Director of Fisher House Wisconsin (FHW). Fisher House Wisconsin recently announced their intention to build a Fisher House in Madison, Wisconsin, aiming to support veterans and their families who travel from distances greater than 50 miles to visit the VA Hospital in Madison.

Man and child holding hands walk down a hallway with plants towards a glass door. A quilt is on the wall, and an "EXIT" sign is visible at the Fisher House in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Fisher Houses are often referred to as the "Ronald McDonald Houses for veterans," providing compassionate and comfortable lodging to veteran families free of charge. Touring the Fisher House in Milwaukee left me genuinely impressed. From the moment I stepped inside, it was clear that every detail was meticulously maintained. The pristine condition of the house, the warm welcome, and the hospitality—including homemade Apple Crisp—spoke volumes about the commitment of the volunteers and staff to create a genuine "home away from home."

The goal of FHW, as Steven explained, is simple yet profoundly impactful: offer families a peaceful and nurturing space to rest and recharge after spending long hours at the hospital with their loved ones. Everything a family might need during their stay is thoughtfully provided—from a fully equipped kitchen with ample cooking supplies and groceries to comfortable rooms stocked with robes and personal necessities. Families are encouraged to list any grocery needs, and dedicated volunteers handle the shopping, alleviating any additional stress related to expenses or logistics.

The amazing kitchen the Fisher House Wisconsin has at it's home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The proposed Fisher House in Madison is projected to initially feature 16 rooms, with plans already being considered to add a second home in the future based on anticipated high usage. Given the strong collaboration between the Madison VA Hospital and the University of Wisconsin-Madison / UW Hospital, this facility is expected to significantly enhance the ability of veterans from across the nation to receive exceptional care from leading medical professionals.

According to Fisher House Foundation's national statistics, since its inception, Fisher Houses have saved military and veteran families an estimated $575 million in lodging and transportation costs. Fisher House just reached the 100 home milestone and have served over 455,000 families, providing approximately 12 million days of lodging. These impressive figures underscore the vital role Fisher Houses play in supporting our nation's heroes and their families.

The addition of a Fisher House in Madison, Wisconsin, represents a significant step forward in veteran care within the state, ensuring veterans and their families have both the emotional and logistical support necessary during challenging times. I am genuinely excited about the positive impact this facility will have on the lives of many veterans and their families, and I look forward to seeing this essential project come to fruition.

To learn more about Fisher House Foundation or to support their mission, visit their official website: fisherhouse.org.

Please like, share, and subscribe to hear major announcements and milestones about the Fisher House of Wisconsin and progress of the Madison Home.

P.S. We may have some insider knowledge on that's coming soon :-)

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