Detroit VA hospital patients' families to get quarters

Detroit's John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center has been chosen as a priority site for a new lodging for the family and caregivers of hospitalized veterans, officials said.

Called Fisher House, the facility provides free, temporary accommodations for veterans' families and caregivers to enable them to be involved in their loved ones' treatment. Typically, Fisher Houses are located within walking distance of treatment centers for veterans.

The Dingell VA Medical Center is located on John R near Warren and Woodward avenues in Detroit.

“This is a great step for our medical center and the outstanding care we provide to the Veterans in this state,” Pamela Reeves, director of the Detroit VA, said in a statement Monday. “With 35 VA Fisher Houses in existence today and more than 26 in the planning stages, we felt Detroit was an ideal location for this type of facility.”

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn, praised the announcement. Dingell is John D. Dingell's wife.

"This announcement is welcome news for the Detroit VA Medical Center, and for all area Veterans," Dingell said in a statement. "Fisher House provides a home away from home for families of our Veterans so they can stay together during the treatment process and help ease the road to recovery. This was a true community effort, and I was proud to work with the VA and Fisher House Foundation to secure this funding to help make our vision a reality. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to provide a safe, welcoming place to stay for veterans, servicemembers and their families."

cramirez@detroitnews.com