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484-380-2999

Becoming a Guest

Our goal is to provide Patient-families a place to stay
for as long as they may need

On this page:
(1) the benefits of HOSTS for HOSPITALS housing | (2) requirements for being a guest | (3) how to refer a Patient-family or apply to be a guest | (4) testimonial videos | (5) guest frequently asked questions | (6) medical associate frequently asked questions

Benefits of HOSTS for HOSPITALS Lodging

Having an affordable place to stay removes lodging as a possible barrier to a receiving medical care.

Having family members present is also of direct benefit to patients and family members. Patients need the support of family members to navigate complex health care systems and decisions. Family members need a place to go to restore their energy and thus be able to help their hospitalized loved one each day.

For both patients and family members, staying at a Host-home provides a place where Guests witness that life goes on normally, providing a break from the medical crises.

Indeed, for hospitalized patients, there is peace-of-mind in knowing that their loved ones are at a home with a caring Host-family, rather than being alone at a hotel.

Requirements to be a Guest

HfH lodging is available to all without restriction to age, race, faith, nationality or family size provided that they:

  • Live far enough away from the hospital that commuting is difficult
  • A Guest must have a permanent home to return to live
  • Are a patient, or support person for a patient, receiving medical care at a Greater Philadelphia medical facility
  • Are screened to ensure the Host family is not at risk

Patients are eligible to be Guests as long as they can be independent either by themselves or with the help of an accompanying support person.

How to Apply

For Patient-Families

Simply call, email or submit an online application:

1. 484-380-2999
2. lodging@HostsforHosptials.org
3. To apply online in English click here
4. To apply online in Spanish click here

The online application is easy and takes about 10 minutes.

Once the application is complete, we will contact our housing providers to obtain lodging that best meets the patient-family’s
particular lodging needs.

For Medical Associates

Simply call, email or submit a brief web form:

1. 484-380-2999
2. lodging@HostsforHosptials.org
3. web form

The information which we will need is:
• Name of person making referral, associated medical facility and department
• Name of patient
• Name of the contact person for patient and that person’s phone number
• Medical facility at which the patient will be seen and associated medical service line

Quick Referral Guide

Testimonials

Guests speak about the impact our program has on their lives.

I found that I would need to relocate to Philadelphia at 36 weeks so as to be close to CHOP

I almost cried at the kindness. This was a beautiful gift in a situation where everything was so difficult

If I didn’t make this trip my prognosis would not be good, and I’ve got a lot of living left I want to do

Host-Guest Videos

At times of vulnerability, patient-family guests are welcomed into Host-homes.

Hugs for Ella

2 Months at CHOP

Elizabeth & Chris Sebero from Alabama needed lodging for 2 months so their baby could be born

A 3rd set of grandparents

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the HOSTS for HOSPITALS’s lodging service differ from other hospital-related lodging?
HOSTS for HOSPITLAS provides lodging almost always at Host-homes with Hosts present as well, though at times as available, at Private-housing such as In-law suites, Cottage houses, donated apartments and vacant properties whose residents are away.

This service is available to all potential guests without restriction to patient age, illness or minimal number of medical visits per week. Larger size families can be accommodated and patients themselves, if they can manage on their own. Stays may be for a night or for quite extended periods of time.

Who are the Hosts?
Our Hosts are ordinary people from all walks of life. At the same time they are extraordinary in that, without being paid, they welcome patient-families in need into their homes. The homes typically range from one-story ranch homes, to multiple-story homes, to condos in elevator-equipped buildings. Before being accepted into the program, Hosts are screened. We conduct a consultation with the prospective Host-family along with a comprehensive inspection of the home. Hosts are also trained to be sensitive to Guests’ feelings of stress and concern in light of the medical situation. Guest privacy is respected and Guests and Hosts are not expected to socialize unless they mutually wish to do so.
What services do the Hosts provide?
We strive to place Guests at Host-homes within easy access of treatment facilities. Hosts provide a clean and comfortable place to sleep, bathroom access and sheets, pillows, blankets, towels, etc.

Guests are responsible for their food, transportation and personal toiletries. Guests who need kitchen use are placed at homes where they may bring food in, store it in the fridge and pantry, cook and clean up just as they when back at their own home.

Hosts also help orient Guests regarding directions and resources in the community.

For which medical facilities does HOSTS for HOSPITALS provide its lodging services?
We accept guests associated with patients receiving treatment at any medical facility within the area of Greater Philadelphia, including Southern New Jersey and Wilmington, Delaware.
Do I pay for this service?
To help cover the costs of our program, there is a $20/night/per-family service fee. The fee is not a charitable donation.
How do I apply to be a Guest?
A relatively simple application form needs to be filled out. On the application, we will ask your specific needs as a Guest, so that we may then match you with a Host-home or other housing that best meets your needs.

This application may be done:
1. by calling our office
2. having us call you if you live within the U.S.
3. having us email you the application
4. online, in either English or Spanish, by clicking the ‘apply online’ link in the at the top of this page

If you are working with a hospital staff person, they may also be able to help you complete the application.

What is involved in the screening process?
We require a personal character reference for each Guest age 18 and above. This reference person is usually a physician or other health care provider from the Guest’s home community. We need to know that the Guest is considerate, reliable, responsible and able to manage independently within the Host’s home. The rule of thumb is: would I invite this person to stay in my own home? In addition, it is important that all potential Guests be free of alcohol or other substance dependency, and be without threatening mental health problems.
How soon are Guests placed once the application/referral process is completed?
Once the referral process is complete, we will immediately review our Housing-network for a placement where the Guests’ needs may best be met. When we confirm that a Host-home or other housing is available, we will contact you with the housing provider’s name and contact information. Though we ask that we normally be given a number of days to place a Guest, often the entire process can be completed the same day we receive the referral, assuming that we are able to reach the person providing the personal character reference for the Guest.
What happens next after I am given the name and phone number of my Host?
Once we notify you of your Host (or Housing-provider), we ask that you contact the Host within 24 hours to coordinate arrangements for your stay. At this time you and your Host will discuss any house guidelines regarding hours, meals, habits, use of phone, etc. We also ask that you confirm your stay with your Host 48 hours before you are expected to arrive at your Host’s home. As your Host will be expecting you at the agreed upon day and time, we ask that if there is a change in your plans, you alert both your Host and our office. Courtesy in this regard is greatly appreciated. Please note that any additional Guests who have not gone through the screening process will not be able to stay at the Host-home until a reference check is completed for them.
May I pay my Hosts, give them a gift or donate to HOSTS for HOSPITALS?
As we wish for Hosts who welcome Guests out of the goodness of their hearts, we do not allow Hosts to accept payment. Similarly, as Hosts only wish for sincere expressions of thanks from their Guests, we discourage gifts that are at all expensive. For those Guests who are flying to Philadelphia, for example, we suggest that at their local airport souvenir shop they may buy a coffee mug featuring where they are coming from, as that would be a wonderful keepsake for their Host-family. Tax-deductible gifts in support of our work to provide lodging for patient-families in need may be made through our website or by mail: HOSTS for HOSPITALS / 326 Conshohocken St. Rd. #2 / Gladwyne, PA 19035. We also invite Guests to reach out via a Friend-to-Friend Appeal to their friends, family and colleagues. For details email HfH Director Mike Aichenbaum: mike@hostsforhospitals.org.

Additional FAQs for Medical Partners

What role do hospital staff have in referring patients and their families to the program?
Whenever one of your team members may have a patient-family that could benefit from being able to stay at our housing in association with a medical trip to the Philadelphia area, we recommend the family be told three things:

1. That you know of a program that may have a wonderful and affordable housing option for them, HOSTS for HOSPITALS.
2. That if they wish, you will have someone from HOSTS for HOSPITALS contact them.
3. They will be under no obligation to accept housing if offered.

With the family’s permission, you would then contact us by phone or email so we may in turn reach out to the family.

Based on 25-plus years of experience, we find this is the best way to help families learn of our housing options. Conversely, we find families often do not call if merely given our number, as they often are overwhelmed by the other aspects of the medical situation.

What support do hospital staff receive for presenting the program to potential guests?

We have very informative guest-brochures which you may request by phone or email to have on-hand to give to your patient-families.

These brochures are available to be viewed or printed at this link

From the webpage which you are currently on, you may also show your clients the testimonial videos of Hosts and Guests speaking about their wonderful experiences together.

Does HOSTS for HOSPITALS offer virtual or in-service presentations to hospital staff?

Yes! Pending availability, we might also have one of our Hosts present as well. To schedule an in-service for your staff or to request materials, please call 484-380-2999 or email lodging@hostsforhosptals.org

How else may hospital staff support the Hosts for Hospitals program?
The HOSTS for HOSPITALS program ideally would be known throughout your department and medical community. Some of the ways you can help spread word of the HOSTS for HOSPITALS lodging option are:

1. arranging for us to meet with department staff
2. speaking about our service with your colleagues and passing on our literature to them
3. speaking about our service with your colleagues and passing on our literature to them
4. arranging for HOSTS for HOSPITALS to be mentioned as a resource on the webpage of your medical service line
5. informing us of medical conferences at which we could have a staffed information table
6. arranging for Host/Guest videos and stories to be included in related social media platforms

Guest Liability Release & Demographic Form