SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals

SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals is a nonprofit organization based in North Carolina that provides a safe, nurturing, and affordable home for adult patients and their loved ones who travel great distances to receive treatment at UNC Hospitals. The organization focuses on supporting patients undergoing treatment for critical and complex conditions such as transplants, cancer, burns, trauma, and eating disorders, offering lodging, meals, supportive programs, transportation, and a caring support network for families from all 100 North Carolina counties and beyond.

History and Development

The SECU Family House was initially supported by a Challenge Grant from the SECU Foundation in July 2005, which contributed to the original construction of the building. In November 2016, the SECU Foundation again supported the organization with a grant to double the facility's capacity, helping expand the house to better serve patients and their families facing life-saving treatments at UNC Hospitals.

Services and Facilities

The Family House offers a compassionate and comfortable alternative to hospital waiting rooms or costly hotels, with 45 rooms featuring queen beds and private baths. It serves approximately 4,500 families each year, providing a home-like atmosphere that eases the stress and financial burden associated with long-term medical treatment far from home.

Support and Community Involvement

The organization encourages community involvement through volunteering, cooking meals, and donating items or funds. A $60 donation supports a family for one night, and volunteers provide hundreds of homemade meals annually to create a welcoming environment. The SECU Family House also hosts various events and wellness activities to support guests and foster a sense of community among patients, families, and volunteers.

Mission and Impact

SECU Family House aims to help families rest, heal, and gather strength when they need it most by providing a safe and affordable place to stay near UNC Hospitals. It relieves families from the additional burden of finding suitable accommodations during critical medical treatments, demonstrating a commitment to humanity and compassionate care in the face of serious illness.

References

• SECU Family House official website
• SECU Foundation project overview
• Hands On Triangle agency description
• UNC Medical Center flyer on SECU Family House