Detroit VA to Acquire Property for Site of Future Fisher House 

The facility, built by Fisher House Foundation with strong Michigander support, will join almost 100 other Fisher Houses in operation.

Detroit, MI – 1/4/2023 – The Detroit VA Healthcare System has acquired property in Detroit for the site of a new Fisher House, which will provide temporary accommodations for the families and caregivers of Veterans and active-duty military receiving care at Detroit VA medical facilities.

The property, located at 7618 Woodward Avenue in Detroit’s New Center area, is the former site of Lelli’s Steakhouse.  

"We are so thrilled! This brings us one step closer to opening the doors to Fisher House Detroit,” said Amy Kennebeck, interim director for Detroit VA Healthcare System. “We are fortunate to find a site this close to the medical center to provide a home away from home for the families of Veterans while they are treated at Detroit VA.”

Fisher Houses are constructed by Fisher House Foundation on government land (military bases or VA facilities). Since land is not available to construct a Fisher House on the campus at the Detroit VA, an off-site solution was necessary. Upon completion, the house will be donated to the Department of Veterans Affairs. VA assumes responsibility for the operation, maintenance, upkeep, and staffing of Fisher House Detroit. Fisher House Detroit will join almost 100 existing Fisher Houses located at military and VA facilities across the U.S., the U.K., and Germany.

“Fisher House Foundation is proud to partner with Fisher House Michigan to bring this vital resource to the community. They have been instrumental in this endeavor,” said Ken Fisher, chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation. “The people and organizations of Detroit have already shown what a wonderful community this will be for the new Fisher House supporting military and veteran families receiving care in Detroit.”

Fisher House Michigan is raising funds for the construction of the VA Detroit Fisher House. Those interested in supporting this project can find more information at www.fisherhousemichigan.org.

"We've been looking forward to this announcement since 2018, and we are grateful for financial support from Detroiters and Michiganders from every county in our state. Their support will be life-changing for the thousands of Veteran families who will stay in the 20-suite VA Detroit Fisher House for years to come," said Kate Melcher, Executive Director of Fisher House Michigan.

Fisher House Foundation is best known for its network of 94 Fisher Houses serving military and VA hospitals across the U.S. and Europe where military and veteran families can stay free of charge while loved one receive medical care. Fisher House Detroit is one of six Fisher Houses planned for completion by the end of 2024 as Fisher House Foundation pursues a “Road to 100” campaign.

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About Detroit VA: Since 1939, the Detroit VA Healthcare System has been improving the health of the men and women who have so proudly served our nation.  In 1996, the medical center moved from Allen Park, Michigan to the current location on John R. in Detroit.  One of the newer VA facilities in the country, we consider it our privilege to serve the health care needs of our Veterans. Services are available to more than 330,000 Veterans living in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and St. Clair counties.  This population represents approximately forty-four percent of the Veteran population in the lower peninsula of Michigan. For more information, visit www.detroit.va.gov.

About Fisher House Foundation: Fisher House Foundation is best known for its network of 94 comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment.  These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide, and in Europe, close to the medical center or hospital they serve. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths.  Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room and an inviting living room.  Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a lodging fee.  Since inception, the program has saved military and veteran families an estimated $547 million in out-of-pocket costs for lodging and transportation. www.fisherhouse.org

Fisher House Michigan is a not-for-profit organization formed to improve the quality of life of our military members, retirees, Veterans, and their families and caregivers. The Organization supports the construction and operations of comfort homes built near VA Medical Centers in Michigan, called “Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Houses.” The Organization works to inform the Veteran community, their families, and the general public about Fisher Houses, and provides necessary support to Fisher House operations as needed. Fisher House Michigan presently supports operations at the Fisher House at VAAAHS in Ann Arbor, and is raising capital and program funds for the future house at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit. For more information, visit www.fisherhousemichigan.org.

For more information on Detroit VA, please contact Bill Browning, Chief, Volunteer and Community Relations William.browning@va.gov or 313-244-7707

For more information about Fisher House Foundation, please contact Michelle Horn, VP Communications mhorn@fisherhouse.org or (888) 240-8560.

For additional information about the VA Fisher Houses, contact Jennifer Halter, National Program Manager, VA Fisher House and Family Hospitality Program Jennifer.halter@va.gov or 612-471-6958.

For more information on Fisher House Michigan, go to www.fisherhousemichigan.org, or contact Kate Melcher, Executive Director, at Kate@fisherhousemichigan.org or 313-483-6543.