On July 29, Fisher House Foundation opened its 100th home — this one located at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago. The facility is the first and only Fisher House located at a fully integrated Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in the country, serving both active-duty service members and veterans.
For more than 30 years, the foundation has provided free lodging for families who need to be near a loved one receiving care. It began in 1990, when real estate developer Zachary Fisher saw a need and responded by building the first home near Walter Reed. What started as a single house has grown into a global network serving families at major military and VA medical centers.
To date, the foundation has supported more than 500,000 families, providing over 12.5 million nights of lodging and saving families more than $650 million in travel and housing costs. Some stays last a few days. Others stretch into months. The goal remains the same: keep families close without the added burden of hotel bills or housing logistics.
“We’ve had families use several different houses as their loved ones moved between military and VA hospitals,” said Ken Fisher, chairman and CEO of the foundation and nephew of its founder. “With this location, they don’t have to. It’s one house, serving both sides.”
Each Fisher House includes 16 to 20 private suites, plus shared kitchens, dining areas, and other common spaces. Beyond a place to stay, the homes create space for connection — something military families are known for building, even in uncertain times.
“We weren’t sure how people would respond to living side by side during such stressful times,” Fisher said. “But every single house becomes its own community. Families share meals, encourage each other, and welcome new arrivals — celebrating the good days and showing up for each other on the hard ones.”
“This isn’t a hotel,” he added. “It’s a place where caregivers become better caregivers because they’re not worried about where they’ll sleep. Where families can focus on healing, not logistics.”
The North Chicago location brings that peace of mind to an area with more than 62,000 veterans. It also complements an existing Fisher House in downtown Chicago, expanding access across the metro area.
Opening day included remarks from Fisher House Foundation leadership and representatives from the VA and Department of Defense, followed by a ribbon cutting. VA Secretary Doug Collins was in attendance, as well as Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Allen Lynch. Veteran and Fisher House Foundation trustee Montel Williams was the master of ceremonies.
Local residents who want to support the new location can volunteer their time, donate canned goods or supplies, or contribute directly to the house. The foundation also accepts donated frequent flyer miles and hotel points, which are used through its Hero Miles and Hotels for Heroes programs to help families travel to and from medical centers.
“There are a lot of ways to help,” Fisher said. “It’s not always about money.”
In addition to its lodging program, the foundation offers scholarships for military children, spouses, and children of those who were killed or 100% disabled in service.
With House 101 already under construction in Arkansas, the foundation isn’t slowing down. “Our goal has always been to build one wherever there’s a need,” Fisher said. “We’re proud to serve every generation, every service branch, and every family that needs us.”
Tonight, more than 1,400 families around the world will sleep in a Fisher House. One of them, perhaps, now in North Chicago.
