Altrusa Hospitality House seeks community’s assistance for Draft week

GREEN BAY – As NFL fans prepare to flock to Green Bay, it is often forgotten that life goes on.

Many will be traveling to Green Bay for medical procedures, and may worry about having a place to stay.

Hotels will be booked up. That’s where Altrusa Hospitality House comes in.
Altrusa Hospitality House started as a small three-bedroom house in 1989, a place for people to stay and feel at home while in town for important medical care, sponsored by the Altrusa Club.

“We found that the people who stayed in houses rather than hotels were more likely to finish their cancer treatment,” said Kristine Blum, mission advancement manager for Altrusa Hospitality House.

The house was always in such high demand and always full, that a new house was built across the street from St. Vincent and Bellin Hospitals in Green Bay.

Today, it houses anywhere between 10 and 12 families a night.

“Last year alone, we served 620 families,” Blum said. “We had to turn down just as many referrals as we accepted. There really is a need and a waitlist for this here in Green Bay.”

The house runs much like a Ronald McDonald House, providing clean lodging, linens and living spaces to all of the families who stay there.

The only requirements for staying in the Altrusa Hospitality House are you must be referred by a hospital and live more than 50 miles away.

There are talks to build other facilities, but no concrete information at this time.

With the NFL Draft coming to Green Bay in a few weeks, the Altrusa Hospitality House has made a call for volunteers to offer a room for these patients to stay in.

In a press release, Altrusa stated, “If you or someone you know is staying in town for the Draft and looking for a way to make a difference, consider opening your home to a patient or caregiver. A few nights of generosity can provide comfort, stability, and hope to someone facing a medical crisis.”
In the seven days following when the press release was published, 25 volunteers have already stepped forward.

“My family has had extensive cancer care treatment at St Vincent, and I’ve needed a place to stay. Without Altrusa Hospitality House, I could have afforded maybe a few nights in a motel before needing to sleep in my car during my radiation treatments these two weeks. Altrusa was a godsend, it took away a lot of fear & worry during my time here. I appreciate having a nice quiet place to rest with a wonderful staff & community,” said a past guest “Ken H.”

Another guest “Anne H.” added, “Facing an unexpected medical emergency for my brother, we had been staying in a hotel, but knew we couldn’t afford it much longer, especially with the Packer’s opening season game that weekend, and prices were skyrocketing. Eventually Altrusa had an opening, and stepping into the house for the first time felt like coming home. My brother was hospitalized for 5-6 weeks, and I don’t think we would have remained as rested and calm if it weren’t for staying there. We are truly grateful for all that the staff and volunteers gave.”

Altrusa is asking for volunteers to provide room for families from anywhere between one to seven nights during the week of April 21-27.

Interested volunteers and those looking to get involved may find more information at www.greenbayaltrusahouse.org/nightsforneighbors.