But Fisher House is more than numbers, it is about the families we serve. Fisher House is a testament to our gratitude and respect for those who wear the uniform and the loved ones who stand by their side. Within the walls of each Fisher House, families find more than just shelter; they find strength, community, and unwavering support.
As we reflect on 2024, we are reminded that our mission is not just about providing a place to stay—it is about honoring sacrifice, fostering hope, and standing by those who have given so much for our nation. Together, we ensure that love, care, and compassion continue to shine through in every Fisher House.
The Hero Miles program, which uses donated frequent flyer miles and dollars to purchase airline tickets, and Hotels for Heroes, which uses donated hotel points and dollars, have saved $127.5 million for military and veteran families since inception.
Marine Sgt. Koren English was a high-performing Marine at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. She was scheduled for Drill Instructor School when a routine physical revealed breast cancer. Her mother in California immediately wanted to be by her side, but costs made it hard.
“I just went into shock. How do I get to my 22-year-old baby? How do I get to her? And at first, she wouldn’t let us come,” Michelle English said.
Koren didn’t want her mom or other relatives paying for travel or hotels.
But her mom and aunt were able to travel to her with Fisher House Foundation’s Hero Miles program and then stay in the Fisher House completely free. Those savings also let them help Koren with food and other comforts during chemotherapy.
“Because of the Fisher House, we weren’t worried about where we would stay that night and we had the extra money to cook special meals," Michelle said.
Fisher House Foundation awarded over $2.7 million in scholarships in 2024, helping more than 1,390 students achieve their educational goals.
For Sofia Gonzales-Trelles, receiving a scholarship through the Scholarships for Military Children program means more than just financial relief, it's a chance for her to pursue her dreams of studying neurodegenerative diseases at the University of Pittsburgh. Knowing the weight of college expenses, she hoped for support—and now she has it.
Her father served as an Army engineer before he eventually became disabled. Sofia's mother encouraged her to apply to the Scholarships for Military Children program from Fisher House Foundation and the Defense Commissary Agency. She says she is grateful to the scholarship sponsors for helping to reduce her future debt.
Sofia used the scholarship to pay for her tuition and books.
“I’m
thankful this can help me not pay as much down the line. I can also focus on getting my education as opposed to worrying about where the money for my education is going to come from.”
on the road to
Fisher House Foundation thanks you for joining us on the Road to 100 Fisher Houses.
