Arizona’s First Fisher House Providing Free Veterans’ Housing Breaks Ground in Tucson

The official ground breaking ceremony of the new Arizona Fisher House was celebrated by leaders from the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System, Fisher House Foundation, government and veteran service organizations along with community members.

The facility will provide free temporary housing to families of eligible veterans and military service members who are being treated at the Tucson VA or any other medical facility in Tucson. The Arizona Fisher House Foundation, a non-profit organization, has been raising funds for the Fisher House in Tucson.

The Fisher House program was founded in 1990 by New York businessman and philanthropist Zachary Taylor. The first two Fisher Houses opened in 1991 and there are now more than 60 nationwide. The concept is similar to that of Ronald McDonald Houses which also support families with relatives in need of long-term medical attention.

Located at the Southern Arizona VA Medical Campus on the city’s south side, the new Fisher House will feature 16 suites and common areas including a kitchen, living area, dining and family rooms and patio. According to Tucson News Now, the development encompassing over 13,000 square feet is marked out for those living 50 miles or more away from Tucson. The construction work is expected to take from nine months to a year to complete.

Photo courtesy of Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (via Facebook)