Micky Simeone
Staff Writer
Did you know: Veterans who have to travel with their families to the Salt Lake City VA hospital have a very special place to go?
There are situations in which a local veteran requires more intensive procedures or care than the Pocatello VA clinic is able to accommodate. The Fisher House Foundation, founded by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher in 1990, has an amazing way to thank veterans for their service by making these strenuous medical events more comfortable. Called the Fisher House, it’s a stress-free zone that includes free lodging and food for the vet and their families. There’s even a laundry room at no charge for these guests. There are Fisher Houses all across the United States.
The house in Salt Lake City services Idaho and the surrounding areas. I recently took a trip to the Salt Lake City Fisher House and visited with the house manager, Quinn Kiger-Good. We had a chat and I toured this phenomenal facility. I was quite fortunate enough to experience a two-day stay first-hand. I was so comforted there and I think it’s important to get the word out about this amazing experience and the very deserving cause that makes it possible.
Q: How long have you worked at Fisher House?
A: I have been here since the beginning—six years.
Q: What is your full title and role at the SLC House?
A: Salt Lake City VA Fisher House Manager. I manage all aspects of the home. I developed the policy, and procedures.
Q: What cities does the Salt Lake City Fisher House service?
A: We mostly serve the surrounding states such as Montana, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, Southern Utah, and Nevada. However, we get people from all over, even out of the country, for heart transplants.
Q: What is your guest turnover like?
A: We get lots of people for one to two nights for appointments, six to eight weeks for chemo and radiation, seven to ten days for surgeries.
Q: Shortest stay? Longest stay?
A: Shortest stay is one night. Our longest stay is nine months.
Q: Where do your donations come from?
A: Solely from the community and private donors. Guests can also make donations, but it is not required. The house is initially built, designed and donated for free to the VA medical center from the Fisher House Foundation.
Q: How can others donate?
A: Mail it in, bring it in, online.
Q: How does a service member or veteran qualify? Who is welcome?
A: Any veteran family who is getting treatment here at the VA is eligible for a stay. A veteran can’t stay here alone, as we are here for the families, but they can stay as long as someone is with them. The family can stay without the veteran if the veteran is in the hospital. They must be traveling at least 60 miles one way and actively has medical appointments at least every other day.
Q: Do you have employees or volunteers?
A: We have VA employees that run the office (three people including myself). Then we have four part-time housekeepers that are contracted. The rest of the house is ran by volunteers.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: It’s an amazing place. The families all become a family. The best part of our job is watching the families cook together, cry together, have coffee together. They all support each other during their medical crises and it’s amazing to watch. The community who brings in meals or donations for the families are amazing.
