Years Supporting Families
Families Served
Number of Rooms
Million In Savings for Veterans
About Tennessee Fisher House Foundation
Located on the campus of the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the Fisher House provides free lodging to families of veterans and active-duty service members receiving medical care.
Learn More
Every donation and volunteer effort helps maintain the house, provide essential supplies, and ensure families experience comfort and support during difficult times.
The Tennessee Fisher House Foundation began with a vision to support military families across the state. Originally formed in 2007 as the Middle Tennessee Fisher House Foundation, community leaders and supporters worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funds to build a Fisher House in Murfreesboro.
In 2010, the organization was officially registered as the Tennessee Fisher House Foundation, Inc., continuing its mission to support the house and the families who depend on it during medical crises. Since then, the foundation has partnered with individuals, organizations, and businesses across Tennessee to ensure the house remains a place of comfort and care for military families.
Our Mission is to be dedicated to the enrichment of the quality of life of active duty military, veterans, and their families who stay at the Tennessee Fisher House while a loved one is undergoing extended medical treatment at the Tennessee Valley Healthcare System or VA approved facility.
Ways to Get Involved
Donate
Make a meaningful difference by donating today to help provide free lodging and support for military families.
Volunteer
Share your time and compassion by volunteering to support military families and strengthen our caring community.
Organize a Fundraiser
Bring people together and organize a fundraiser to support military families staying at the Tennessee Fisher House.
Support for two Houses
Murfreesboro Fisher House
Since opening its doors in 2013, the Murfreesboro Fisher House has been a place of comfort, connection, and care for military and veteran families. Located on the VA Medical Center campus, this home provides free lodging so families can stay close to their loved ones during medical treatment.
Impact & Milestones
- Served over 4,000 families
- Provided more than 52,000 nights of lodging
- Saved families over $800,000 in lodging costs
These numbers reflect the real impact of keeping families together—removing financial stress and allowing them to focus fully on supporting their loved ones.
A Legacy of Support
A Place That Feels Like Home
Office Hours & Check-In Information
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Please note that the house is not staffed during evenings, weekends, or federal holidays. Guests who need to check in outside of regular hours must arrange their arrival in advance with the Fisher House Manager during office hours.
Location
Address: 3400 Lebanon Pike, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
The Tennessee Fisher House is located on the VA Hospital campus in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, providing convenient access for families visiting patients receiving medical care.
Memphis Fisher House
The Memphis Fisher House is a powerful extension of the mission to support military and veteran families with comfort, care, and connection. Located near the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center, this home provides free lodging for families so they can remain close to loved ones during medical treatment.
Memphis Fisher House Build
Impact & Milestones
Since opening its doors on October 21, 2024, the Memphis Fisher House has already made a meaningful difference:
- Supported over 290 families
- Welcomed more than 3,275 guests
- Provided 2,000+ nights of free lodging
- Saved families over $425,000 in lodging expenses
Additional insights into guest stays:
- Average length of stay: 4 days
- Longest stay: 107 days (Geriatrics)
- Most common care areas: ICU, Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), and Surgery
These numbers reflect more than impact—they represent families who were able to stay close, find comfort, and focus on healing together.
Ongoing Projects
The Memphis Fisher House continues to grow and improve through meaningful projects that enhance the guest experience:
- Children’s Corner: Eagle Scout project successfully funded
- Pergola Covering & Outdoor Kitchen: Designed to create a relaxing outdoor space; partially funded and seeking additional support
- Fisher House Van Rewrapping: In need of funding to improve visibility and outreach
Partnerships & Community Support
- Tennessee Fisher House Foundation
- Freezer meal programs supported by United Rentals, Hope Church Memphis, and the TN Fisher House Foundation
- Holiday decorations provided by United Rentals
- “Seasons of Service” initiative supporting families with Christmas gifts
- Generous donation of a red guitar by songwriter Thom Shepherd through the Memphis Parrot Head Club
These collaborations help create a warm, supportive environment and ensure families feel cared for beyond just a place to stay.
Office Hours & Check-In Information
9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Please note that the house is not staffed during evenings, weekends, or federal holidays. Guests who need to check in outside of regular hours must arrange their arrival in advance with the Fisher House Manager during office hours.
Location
Address: 1117 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38105
What Makes Tennessee Fisher House Unique?
Guests enjoy the comforts typically found at home, including Wi-Fi, cable television, and welcoming common spaces. Yet the true difference lies in the connections formed between families staying at the house.
Many guests arrive feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about their loved one’s medical journey. Here, they meet other families who understand what they are going through. These shared experiences often create meaningful connections, forming a natural support system where families encourage one another during challenging moments.
At the Tennessee Fisher House, our goal is to create a safe, peaceful, and healing environment where families can relax, recharge, and find comfort after long days at the hospital.
Who Is Eligible to Stay at the Tennessee Fisher Houses?
Most guests are visiting loved ones who are patients at the VA Medical Center campus. In certain situations, veterans or active-duty personnel may also stay at the house if they are accompanied by a caregiver or undergoing extended outpatient treatment. Some exceptions may be considered based on individual circumstances. For additional details, please contact the Fisher House Manager.
Guest Eligibility Guidelines
- Guests must live at least 50 miles away from the VA Medical Center campus.
- Guests must be visiting a veteran or active-duty service member receiving medical care at the VA Medical Center.
- Guests must be medically stable and able to care for themselves independently.
- Guests must have a permanent home address.
- Room assignments are based on availability, although certain situations may receive priority consideration.
How to Apply for a Stay
- Ask your VA provider or hospital social worker to place a Fisher House consult in the veteran’s or service member’s medical record.
- Once the consult is submitted, a Fisher House staff member will contact you to discuss availability and next steps.
Additional Information
- There is no cost to stay at the Tennessee Fisher House.
- Guests may stay for the duration of their loved one’s hospitalization.
- Check-out typically occurs on the day the patient is discharged from the hospital.
The Tennessee Fisher House exists to support families during challenging times by providing a comfortable place to stay and the reassurance of being close to loved ones receiving care.
Inquiries About Staying at Tennessee Fisher House
Phone: 615-225-5758
Families interested in staying at the house are typically referred through their hospital care team or social worker.
Executive Committee and Board of Directors
| Executive Committee: (3 year terms) | Term Period |
|---|---|
| President: Dana Kizer Shands | (term ends 2028) |
| Vice President: Amber Howell | (term ends 2028) |
| Immediate Past President: Dana Kizer-Shands | (term ends 2025) |
| Treasurer: Joe Baltz | (term ends 2026) |
| Secretary: Cliff Hardy | (term ends 2026) |
| Board of Directors: (3 year terms) | Term Period |
| James (Bud) Gore | (term ends 2027) |
| Jack Wilson | (term ends 2028) |
| Ernie Bueno | (term ends 2028) |
| Danny Connors | (term ends July 2027) |
| Hugh Lamar | (term ends 2028) |
| Tom Hickerson | (term ends 2027) |
| Zach Smith | (term ends 2026) |
| Ed Stutler | (term ends 2026) |
| John Rollyson | (term ends 2026) |
| Guest Ambassadors: (no term) | Bill Griggs |
| Joseph Lundy | No term |
| Lou Ferraro | No term |
| Don Wright | No term |
| Ron Wright | No term |
| Meshun Eady | No term |
| Kevin Reed | No term |
| Galina Reed | No term |
| Stephanie Kinard | No term |
| Leslie Stephens | No term |
Wish List for Tennessee Fisher House
Everyday Essentials (Consumables)
These items are frequently used and always appreciated:
- Tide with Bleach liquid (HE) or laundry pods
- Washing machine cleaner
- Dishwasher cleaner
- Dishwasher detergent pods
- Non-stick Reynolds Wrap
- Gallon-size freezer Ziplock bags
- Plastic disposable food storage containers
Wet wipes - Paper plates and bowls (paper only)
- Disposable coffee cups with lids
- Batteries (AA, AAA, C, and D)
- Window cleaner (no ammonia)
- Small compact folding umbrellas
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Mayonnaise
- Keurig coffee pods (regular only, no flavored varieties)
- Coffee creamer, sugar packets, and coffee stirrers
Note: We are not accepting canned goods at this time.
Non-Perishable Snacks
- Individually packaged chips, crackers, and candy bars
- Granola bars
- Packaged or boxed complete meals
Personal Care Items
- Hair combs and brushes
- Toothpaste and dental floss
- Men’s and women’s deodorant
For health and safety reasons, we can only accept new, unused items.
News and Updates
Knights of Columbus # 4563 donates to Tennessee Fisher House Foundation
Knights of Columbus Chapter # 4563 of St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Murfreesboro, TN donated to The Tennessee Fisher House Foundation on September 10, 2021. Knights of Columbus members Tex Shellhart, and John McNicholas (center) made the presentation to ...
Hiram Squires make it happen, again!
The Hiram Squires recently did another benefit ride for the Tennessee Fisher House Foundation. We are very grateful for their continued support of our mission! In the picture are some of the member of the Hiram Squires and 3 board members from the Tennessee Fisher...
Another year, another great audit!
(15) TN Fisher House - 2020 - 4 Leadership Letter
TENNESSEE FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION RECEIVES SILVER STATUS FROM GUIDE STAR
DEMONSTRATING ITS COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY
2019 Audit looks good!
McMINNVILLE EXCHANGE CLUB SUPPORTS TENNESSEE FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION, INC.
McMinnville Exchange Presdient Neva England presents Don Wright of Tennessee Fisher House Foundation with a donation at the meeting on Tuesday January 15, 2019.
Fundraiser and Generous Donations by Jig Head Brewing Compapny, The Steel Coop, Cooper Recycling and Tommy and Jessica Fitzgerald
THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!! From left to right; Pete Kessler and Cassie Hood from the Steel Coop, Don Wright from the Tennessee Fisher House, Manny Edwards from Jig Head, and Cindy and Steve Cooper from Cooper Recycling.
Once again, Tennessee Fisher House Foundation, Inc. Receives an Excellent Audit
TN Fisher House Foundation President, Don Wright, Makes Front Page News Speaking to members of the DAC TN State Board Meeting
JASON EDENS MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT – MONEYSHOT 5
A letter from Gold Star Family Jim and Jan Edens: Hello All, It is hard to believe our Jason has been gone for 6 years. To us it seems like he should be calling or visiting from, Fort Bliss. Some friends came to us 5 years ago and wanted...
MJ’s Pool Hall and Sports Bar – Skyy Vodka Infusions Bomb Shots Benefit TN Fisher House
MJ's Pool Hall and Sports Bar,1253 NW Broad near Clark in Murfreesboro will be selling throughout August, 2018 Skyy Vodka Infusions Bomb Shots for $4.50 with $0.50 per shot going to Tennessee Fisher House.
EXPENDITURES RECENTLY – LANDSCAPING
LANDSCAPING IS AN ONGOING EXPENSE THE BUSHES IN FRONT OF THE PORCHES HAD GROWN UP TO THE ROOF! TAKE A LOOK NOW!!
WHY DOES TENNESSEE FISHER HOUSE NEED YOUR DONATIONS???
WHY DOES TENNESSE FISHER HOUSE NEED YOUR DONATIONS? The house is approaching it's 5th birthday. In five years, it has gotten a lot of use! The beautiful tile needed a good clean and polish and the grout needed replacing in the entire house and in baths. While...
NEW PRESIDENT AND TWO NEW BOARD MEMBERS TAKE OFFICE AS PRESIDENT TOM ALLARD’S TERM EXPIRES
New Foundation President and Two New Board of Directors Take Office July 1, 2018
The Tennessee Fisher House Foundation Board of Directors has elected a new President, Don Wright. Don will assume his new responsibilities beginning July 1, 2018 for a two-year term. Two new Directors were also elected to take office July 1, 2018: ...
Inside the Tennessee Fisher House
