Fisher Houses provide home away from home comfort for military and veteran families during a medical event and were born out of concern for injured combat veterans returning home.  With high-priced hotels adding to an already difficult time, the idea was presented to Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, builders and philanthropists, who built the first 22 homes personally.  Their early passion in the 1990’s helped fuel the start of the foundation, which exists today and is fondly referred to as the Blessing Business.

Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, located on Eglin Air Force Base, serves every branch of the military from Pensacola to Panama City. Built in 2010, it was #48 and is across from the Eglin hospital, near the VA Clinic, and serves as a tangible thank you for those who have served in the military.  This five-star facility includes 12 private suites, a large kitchen where two families can prepare meals together, and areas for rest and renewal. 93 homes exist across the United States and Europe with approximately 8 built annually. 

The medical spectrum includes heart breaking end-of-life scenarios, routine appointments, healthy births of babies and everything in between.  While most guests will stay a few days, the longest stay at Eglin is 13 months, an oncology patient.  An EOD technician stayed 11 months with his family when he was blinded in Afghanistan. Fisher House helps lighten this load and while care can be received at the award-winning Eglin Hospital, any local medical facility qualifies and includes the Intrepid Spirit Center, which offers therapeutic programs to aid active-duty personnel struggling with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury.

Various ways exist to help.  While the fridge is always fully stocked, prepared meals share comfort in a loving way, and volunteers have accommodated special dietary needs by making smoothies, homemade chicken soup, and preparing gluten free dishes.  Corporate teams have organized the pantry, performed spring cleaning, lawn care, and baked cookies.  Many volunteer-ran community events are held each year for donations back into the mission.  Fisher House of the Emerald Coast does host one big black-tie event annually with more than 350 persons in attendance. 

All of these investments of time and treasure helps to maintain the interior and exterior of the house, to provide wholesome nutrition and hospitality items to guests and to fund hotel stays.  The impact to military and veteran families seeking hope and healing is priceless.  If you’d like to learn more about the blessing business at Fisher House,  go to fisherhouseemeraldcoast.org or you can reach Mia Hughes, Executive Director directly at Director@fisherhouseemeraldcoast.org or 850-259-4956.