The Fisher House Foundation, with help from 84 Lumber, broke ground last week on its 87th Fisher House, and its first in New Orleans, which will provide complimentary lodging for the families and caregivers of military veterans undergoing treatment at local VA medical centers.
The 16-suite, 13,000 square-foot structure is expected to be completed in 2020. The future New Orleans house, located on Canal Street, will allow up to 16 families to stay free of charge on any night while their family members receive care at the VA’s Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System nearby.
In addition to representatives from the Fisher House Foundation and 84 Lumber, those participating in the Nov. 5 ground-breaking ceremony included Robert L. Wilkie, secretary of Veterans Affairs; Ken Fisher, chairman and CEO of the Fisher House Foundation; and Fernando Rivera, the local VA medical center director.
Each suite will be equipped with a private, handicapped-accessible bathroom. Common areas will include a kitchen, large communal living, dining and family rooms, laundry room, and patio.
“It’s such an honor to support the mission of the Fisher House Foundation, as we help lessen the burden faced by so many families of veterans who want to be close to their loved ones during a terribly stressful time,” said Amy Smiley, VP of marketing at 84 Lumber, in a press release. “The more houses we can help build, the more help we can bring to veterans and their families.”
Eighty Four, Pa.-based 84 Lumber generated about $3.86 billion in sales during 2018. The company, ranked 4th on the 2019 ProSales 100, operates nearly 250 stores, component manufacturing plants, custom door shops, custom millwork shops, and engineering wood product centers in more than 30 states.
