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Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Puerto Rico to Receive First “Fisher House” to Support Island Veterans and Their Families

SAN JUAN, PR- Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi announced today that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has approved a plan to construct the first “Fisher House” in Puerto Rico. A Fisher House serves as a “home away from home” for families of veterans who are receiving medical care at a VA or military medical center. This project was formally endorsed by the Resident Commissioner in a letter sent to VA Secretary Erik Shinseki in May.

The Fisher House program is a public-private partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Fisher House Foundation, a non-profit organization headquartered in Maryland. The Fisher House Foundation uses private donations to help construct homes where families of hospitalized veterans can stay free of charge.

There are currently 56 Fisher Houses located in 19 states, the District of Columbia, and Germany. The homes are all located on the grounds of, or adjacent to, military or VA hospitals, and transportation is provided if necessary. The homes feature 8 to 21 guest rooms and are designed to serve from 16 to 42 persons. Each home contains a common area equipped with a kitchen, laundry equipment and dining room.

Currently, the Department of Veterans Affairs is in the process of acquiring an appropriate plot of land on which to construct the home. Once construction begins, it is expected that the home will be completed within six to eight months.

“The men and women of the U.S. armed forces, including those from Puerto Rico, have served our country with honor. They have fought for us and we, as a society, must fight for them. I have worked hard to ensure that veterans in Puerto Rico who are injured or ill can access the best possible care. Bringing a Fisher House to Puerto Rico is an important step. When a veteran is receiving medical treatment, it is critical that his or her loved ones can be there to provide emotional and other support. These homes enable family members to be by their veteran’s side during difficult times,” said Pierluisi.

The Fisher House Foundation uses funds donated by individuals and companies in order to construct homes. In the case of homes built at or near a VA facility, the home is administered, operated and maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

“I urge all residents of Puerto Rico and corporations on the Island to help the Fisher House Foundation raise the funds to complete this project in as expeditious a manner as possible. It is important that we show our gratitude to the soldiers and veterans that have fought to defend freedom and democracy,” said Pierluisi.