State VFW to help raise money for special home for veterans getting treatment

At its state convention Friday in Louisville, incoming state VFW Commander Edwin Vincent announced the organization would begin raising money statewide for the Friends of Lexington Fisher House. The non-profit foundation, headed-up by ABC 36 News Anchor Tom Kenny, is raising money to build the house in Lexington.

A Fisher House is where military and veterans’ families stay for free while their loved one is receiving treatment at either of the two VA hospitals in Lexington’s VA Health Care System.

The house will serve as a “home away from home” for families, allowing them to be close to their loved one during a medical crisis and focus on what’s important, the healing process.

After being delayed a year by the pandemic, ground is expected to be broken in late summer for the $7 million house, which will be built just inside the main entrance of the VA’s Franklin R. Sousley campus on Leestown Road.

The 13,400-square-foot house will have 16 private suites with a common kitchen, dining room and living room.

Once the home is built, the non-profit foundation will gift it to the VA for free. The house will then be owned and operated by the VA.

A Fisher House is only built on military bases and on VA property. Currently, the only one in Kentucky is located at Fort Campbell. The Lexington Fisher House will be the first on VA property in the state.

It’s estimated the Lexington Fisher House will save families $600,000 in lodging and transportation a year. More than 5,800 lodging days will be offered annually.

All donations to the Friends of Lexington Fisher House are tax deductible.

For more information, or to make a donation, visit www.friendsoflexingtonfisherhouse.org