Mission
Family House provides affordable, home-like lodging for families of patients or individuals receiving health care services in the Peoria area. Our goal is to show kindness and offer hope to families who need relief from the emotional and financial stress brought on bymedical problems.
Vision
Our vision is to establish a culture of compassionate service that leads to a comforting guest experience.
The first hospitality house in Peoria, Family House has been serving families with care and compassion since 1985. We welcome families from throughout the United States and across international borders, providing more than 6,700 nights of stay each year.
Caring for the Caregiver
Unexpected events, such as the hospitalization of a loved one, may lead to high levels of stress and crisis—especially when the family member must be taken to a hospital in a city away from home. Caregivers who travel to be with their loved ones face multiple stressors brought on by financial burdens, conflicting emotions, interrupted sleep, lack of regular meals and changes in routines.
Family House has been called a “life-saver” and an “oasis” by families in the midst of a health crisis away from home. The availability of donated meals and snacks in a home-like kitchen contribute to improved personal wellness for caregivers. Sleep quality is also improved, as guests may rest in their own space, which includes a bedroom and private bath. Guests say they appreciate the comfort of being surrounded by those who understand their varying needs for company and conversations—or solitude and quiet.
Family House provides a peaceful environment that allows caregivers to complete important daily tasks others take for granted, such as sorting out finances or managing family issues. It is priceless for caregivers to be able to sit back in a comfortable armchair without others waiting for their turn; to have a quiet, sit-down meal without the machines of the hospital room; to do laundry or grab a healthy snack before returning to the hospital—rested, recharged and ready to care for their loved one. In an unknown world, a welcoming place like Family House becomes a refuge for hurting caregivers.
A Place to Call Home
Family House is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by caring and compassionate staff members and volunteers, who welcome families of adult and pediatric patients who are receiving healthcare services from the four Peoria hospitals or other organizations like Illinois CancerCare, St. Jude and hospice care providers. Depending on the services being received, families stay for one night, several weeks, or many months.
OSF HealthCare, UnityPoint Health – Methodist and Kindred Hospital provide complimentary shuttle service between Family House and the hospital. Those who choose to stay at their loved one’s bedside are welcome to use the day services at Family House, which include shower and laundry facilities.
How to Help
- Provide a meal for our families.
- Do a Fill the Pantry Drive.
- Organize a group volunteer day.
- Serve on one of our committees.
- Plan and implement a fundraising event or activity.
- Volunteer at one of our events.
- Donate! A wish list is available at https://a.co/iCqTGPS.
Community engagement and gifts to Family House help us provide the most precious gift of all: time together for families in their time of need.
Family House
1339 E. Nebraska Avenue
Peoria, IL 61603
(309) 685-5300
familyhousepeoria.org
Facebook: @familyhousepeoria
Tamara Doyle, Executive Director
