"We learned of our daughter's illness and six days later we found ourselves in a stranger's home in Boston," wrote a father from Plattsburgh, New York. "From the moment we arrived they were waiting in the driveway to greet us, and made us feel like members of their own family."

Health care workers agree that patients' healing goes more smoothly and quickly with loved ones nearby, but for many of these families, already burdened by medical expenses, hotels are not an option. That's where the Hospitality Homes program comes in; it provides not only no-cost, short-term accommodations, but also compassionate hosts for those who travel far from home to be with a loved one undergoing medical treatment. Since its founding in 1983, Hospitality Homes has provided over 111,000 nights of guest housing. It is open to all families, regardless of income level, nationality, religion, or patient age, diagnosis, or treatment facility. It has offered training at 11 sites nationally, and has launched host homes programs in nine U.S. cities.

Donations to Hospitality support volunteer recruitment and training, reference checks of all potential guests, matching of guests and hosts, outreach and the development of housing resources for those needing long-term solutions or mobility assistance. The demand for this crucial service is great and needs your support. This is one more example where Massachusetts philanthropy is leading the way for the rest of the country.