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The non-profit Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House has raised $2 million, an important milestone in the capital campaign to support construction of a second Pittsburgh Fisher House. The

new Fisher House, to be located at the H.J. Heinz III VA Medical Center in O’Hara Township, will complement the current Pittsburgh Fisher House on VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System’s

University Drive campus. 

This progress in the capital campaign was made possible by gifts from foundations, businesses, and individual community members. Groundbreaking for the new 16-suite Pittsburgh Fisher House

is scheduled for 2025. 

“We are honored to work on behalf of families who seek the stress relief and financial assistance that the Pittsburgh Fisher House provides,” said Mary Ellen Austin, vice president of the

Friends of Pittsburgh Fisher House Board of Directors. 

Austin also announced Navy veteran and former state senator Pam Iovino has joined the board.

“Pam is a dynamic leader with incredible experience,” said Austin. “She has a wealth of knowledge and networks – from her service as a Navy captain, to working for the VA as assistant

secretary for Congressional Affairs – that will benefit the veterans and families we serve.” 

The local capital campaign goal is $3 million and the collaboration with the national Fisher House Foundation will ensure the balance is raised. This effort is fueled largely by dedicated

volunteers in Pittsburgh.

Fisher Houses provide homelike, free lodging in a stress-free setting where military and veteran families can stay free of charge while a loved one is in the hospital. Building a second

Fisher House in Pittsburgh will increase lodging capacity by 160% for families and caregivers who travel with veterans receiving medical treatment at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. 

Since opening in 2012, the current Pittsburgh Fisher House has provided 33,500 days of free lodging to more than 9,240 guests, saving veterans and their families $3.9 million. 

“Very few cities support two Fisher Houses, and we’re proud to be among them,” said Austin. “We wouldn’t be here without the generosity of our community, so we celebrate this important

milestone and all the supporters who have helped along the way.” 

To learn more, go to https://www.pittsburghfisherhouse.org.  

Pittsburgh Fisher House and Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House

The Pittsburgh Fisher House is part of a network of 96 homes where military and veteran families can stay for free while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at major

military and VA medical centers nationwide and in Europe. The Pittsburgh Fisher House is managed by the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. Fisher House suites include a comfortable private

bedroom and bath. Families share a chef’s kitchen, fully stocked refrigerator, laundry facilities, a dining room, and inviting living spaces. The Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House, a

local non-profit community group, supplements the bricks and mortar of the Pittsburgh Fisher House and furnishes day-to-day items that directly benefit families staying at the house. These

include food, gift cards, transportation vouchers and many added touches such as seasonal décor, holiday meals, special celebrations, and a fully appointed modern library, outdoor patio, and

deck. www.pittsburghfisherhouse.org