Preparations begin at Columbia VA for free housing and assistance to help veterans get care

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Site preparations began for a new Fisher House location on the campus of Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital.

The three-story facility will house families of veterans who need extended care at the hospital.

“A Fisher House provides a home away from home for the families of our Veterans who require extended care at our medical center,” said Sara Ackert, Interim Director of Truman VA. 

The site will continue the work of over 90 other Fisher Houses by providing free housing and assistance.

Truman VA spokesman Jeff Hoelscher says he's thrilled that Columbia was chosen for the next Fisher House location.

"What this facility is being built for are those family members of veterans who live 50 or more miles away. We know that it's difficult for veterans sometimes to decide to get the care that they need based on the fact that it will be difficult for their families to accompany them. So we want to take that off the table we want to alleviate that issue," said Hoelscher.

Hoelscher says he expects the Fisher House to open in the late summer of 2023.