Nestled on the corner of East Fifth Avenue and High Street is a home away from home for families going through difficult times.
Located on the campus of The Medical Center at Bowling Green, the Hospitality House, owned by Commonwealth Health Foundation, is open to family members and caregivers of critically ill patients.
Due to more than $3.8 million in donations from local residents and businesses, the capital campaign to build and endow the Hospitality House was met and surpassed, according to officials at a news conference Tuesday afternoon.
Mike Murphy, chairman of the capital campaign steering committee, said construction on the house began in April 2010 and was completed by December. The first guests stayed in the house in January.
Carla Reagan, executive director of the Hospitality House, said it has been a remarkable six months since the house opened.
Since then, about 550 guests have stayed at the house, Reagan said. For the last two weeks, the house has been at 70 percent occupancy, with an average stay lasting about three nights at a time.
It is a “blessing” to have the home for those who need it, Reagan said.
The staff at the house has grieved with guests in the last six months, but has also had the privilege of celebrating recoveries as well, she said.
Murphy went on to say the original goal for the campaign was $3 million – $2 million to build the house and another $1 million to create an endowment that would provide funds to run the house.
That goal was surpassed by more than $800,000.
However, Murphy said the house will need continued support from the community.
“Just because we have a building doesn’t mean our mission is finished,” he told the audience of sponsors, committee members and employees.
One key sponsor of the house was BB&T bank.
BB&T President Rick Wilson said his business looks for good things in the community to support.
“This is certainly a wonderful, wonderful project for those in need,” he said.
Wilson said progressive communities have a hospitality house service available to families and caregivers who need them.
“It’s just natural that in this community we put together a hospitality house,” he said.
The house features 12 private bedrooms and baths, a kitchen and dining area, a prayer room, a community room and Internet access.
Staying at the Hospitality House is free to guests.
