First Fisher House in Arkansas under construction

Ground was recently broken on a Fisher House supporting the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System in Little Rock.

When complete, iIt will be the first Fisher House built in the state.

Dr. Carolyn M. Clancy, VHA Assistant Under Secretary for Health for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; David A. Coker, president of Fisher House Foundation; and Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System Director Dr. Margie A. Scott joined other supporters for the groundbreaking, announcing the start of the new home.

“For the 500,000 families who have passed through the doors of Fisher Houses nationwide, the organization’s motto – A Family’s Love is Good Medicine – says it all,” said Clancy. “Today’s groundbreaking for the 101st Fisher House continues the outstanding legacy of support envisioned by Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher for our Nation’s veterans and their families.”

The Little Rock VA Fisher House will allow up to 16 veteran and military families to stay free of charge, serving families traveling to the health care center for medical care. It will offer more than 5,800 nights of lodging each year, potentially saving families more than $1.1 million annually.

“We have been looking forward to breaking ground on this project since we received approval,” said Scott. “This is a tremendous benefit for Arkansas’ veterans. Family members of veterans will now have the opportunity to rest comfortably while much-needed care is provided. This Fisher House will provide a community of support for those veteran’s families.”

The Fisher House will join the network of nearly 100 other Fisher Houses operating in the United States and Europe. Up to 1,400 families are able to stay in Fisher Houses across the country and overseas on any given night.

Each bedroom suite of the nearly 15,000 square foot “comfort home” will be equipped with a private, wheelchair-accessible bathroom. Common areas include large communal living, dining and family rooms, a spacious kitchen, a laundry room, and a patio.

“We are excited to start construction on a new Fisher House in the state of Arkansas,” said Fisher House Foundation Chairman and CEO Ken Fisher. “For so many veterans, accessing the world-class healthcare offered by the VA comes down to one thing: having their families by their side. Soon, they can rest assured their families will be taken care of in a world-class home away from home.”

To learn more about Fisher House, visit here.

Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com .