Our Mission
The mission of the Greater L.A. Fisher House Foundation is to make measureable contributions to the military families of Los Angeles County by providing temporary housing while a family member undergoes long-term treatment at the Veterans Administrations of Los Angeles County. The GLAFH realizes this mission through fundraising, community building, events, as well as maintenance and humanitarian support. In partnership with The Fisher House Foundation, Inc., the GLA Fisher House raised the funds to build the 42nd Fisher House, which was dedicated in 2009. In 2013, the GLA Fisher House will commence fundraising to build a ‘comfort home’ for the community served by the Long Beach Veterans Administration.
What We're Known For
Fisher House Foundation is renowned for its network of comfort homes built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes, ranging from 5,000 to 16,800 square feet, are donated to the military and Department of Veterans Affairs, providing families with a place to stay at no cost while a loved one receives treatment. This ensures that families of service members wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan are not burdened with unnecessary expenses during times of crisis.
Each Fisher House is conveniently located near the medical center it serves, featuring 8 to 21 suites with private bedrooms and bathrooms. Families share communal spaces, including a kitchen, laundry facilities, dining room, and living room with a library and children’s toys. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is no fee to stay in a Fisher House. Since its inception, the program has saved military and veteran families an estimated $192 million in lodging and transportation expenses.
In addition to providing housing, the Fisher House Foundation operates the Hero Miles Program, which uses donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedsides of injured service members. The Hotels for Heroes program offers free hotel stays near medical centers using donated hotel points. The Foundation also manages grants for military charities and scholarship funds for military children, spouses, and children of fallen and disabled veterans.
Our Story: The Greater Los Angeles Fisher House
The Greater Los Angeles Fisher House began with a simple but profound idea: to provide free housing for military family members while their loved ones receive treatment at the Los Angeles Veterans Administration. Recognizing the significant concentration of veterans in Los Angeles and the pressing need for supportive housing, the Veterans Administration identified the necessity of a local Fisher House to ease the burden during hospital stays.
Executive Director and Founder Tim Byk rose to the challenge of making this vision a reality. In 2005, he rallied a group of dedicated community members to form the Fundraising Committee and the Board of Directors of the Greater Los Angeles Fisher House Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. Through tireless efforts, Byk and his 100% volunteer team secured funds, which were matched by the national Fisher House Foundation, another 501(c)(3). On February 6, 2009, the Greater Los Angeles Fisher House was dedicated as the 42nd Fisher House, thanks to generous donations and community support.
A Home Away from Home
Military family medical support in the form of temporary housing is vital as loved ones rally around veterans receiving treatment. Located on the VA of Los Angeles campus, the 16,800-square-foot facility boasts 21 suites, each with a private accessible bathroom, internet access, computer, TV, and comfortable amenities like queen-sized or double beds with 450-thread-count linens. The house features elegant communal spaces, including a dining room, library, living room, family room, laundry facilities, state-of-the-art kitchen, patios, and manicured landscapes. For larger families, adjoining rooms are available, ensuring that everyone can stay together during challenging times. The GLA Fisher House fosters camaraderie and support among its residents, helping to create a true sense of home.
Impact and Legacy
Since its opening, the Greater Los Angeles Fisher House has operated at 90% occupancy, serving over 2,500 military families and saving them approximately $2.2 million in lodging expenses. It remains a vital resource for veterans and their families, providing a sense of home and a community of support during times of need.
2005
Tim Byk and a dedicated volunteer committee launch efforts to bring a Fisher House to LA to support military families facing medical challenges.
2009
The Greater Los Angeles Fisher House opens on the Los Angeles VA campus. The 21-suite facility provides free lodging for military families.
2010s
Over 2,500 families are served, with the Fisher House saving them more than $2.2 million in lodging costs. Community support continues to grow.
2015
Expanded services and partnerships enhance the foundation's outreach. Additional community events and donors strengthen its mission.
2020s
Plans for a second Fisher House in LA begin to meet increasing demand. The original house remains a vital resource for SoCal military families.
Succes Stories | Eddie L.
21 year-old Army Specialist Eddie L. was returning from a mission in Iraq when his vehicle was blown up by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on December 6th 2005. He suffered blast injuries resulting in shattered bones in both legs, four broken ribs, a broken back and a broken neck. Two weeks later, after receiving care in Iraq and then Germany, Eddie arrived at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. Together at these three locations he received 25 surgeries to treat his injuries. “My surgeons said I probably hold the record for most surgeries in one month,” said Eddie when asked about his treatment. So many surgeries were needed in part to help save Eddie’s legs. He has expressed to his doctors that he will do whatever it takes to retain the use of his legs.
Eddie is expected to need more surgery in the future and wants to continue his recovery in Los Angeles instead of in Washington, DC over 3000 miles from his friends and family. Many veterans and active duty service members who are on convalescence from military hospitals Walter Reed and the Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland receive care at the VA West LA Medical Center. Therefore, a Fisher House would be greatly beneficial by easing the difficulties that soldiers like Eddie face during the long and painful recovery process.
Success Stories | Chang Wong
At 23, Chang Wong from Alhambra, California has endured and overcome more obstacles than most people face in a lifetime. On May 23rd, 2005 the Army Sergeant was on patrol with his unit when the Abrams tank he was riding in ran over 155mm Howitzer shells buried beneath the ground. Out of those injured, Chang was the most severely wounded. He suffered severe internal injuries, a collapsed lung, and two shattered legs. Doctors used cutting edge medical science to save Chang’s life and help him through the recovery process.
Now medically retired from the Army and back home in Alhambra, Chang is enrolled in Pasadena City College working on completing his GE’s and still contemplating a major. He enthusiastically supports the efforts to build a Fisher House in West LA. “I know there are so many injured soldiers and veterans who have to come from all over Southern California to VA’s West LA Medical Center for medical care and a Fisher House would be really great for them and their families.”
FAQs
What is the Greater Los Angeles Fisher House?
The Greater Los Angeles Fisher House provides free, temporary lodging for families of active-duty service members and veterans receiving care at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center. It offers a home away from home—steps away from the hospital—so loved ones can stay close during times of medical need.
Where is the Greater Los Angeles Fisher House located?
You’ll find the Greater LA Fisher House on the campus of the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, near Brentwood. The address is 11301 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90073. It’s nestled within a quiet, tree-lined area of the VA campus, providing a peaceful and supportive environment for families.
Who is eligible to stay at the Fisher House?
Families of veterans or active-duty military members who are receiving inpatient care at the West LA VA may be eligible to stay. Guests must live 50+ miles away and be actively involved in supporting the patient’s recovery. All stays are coordinated and approved through the VA. Click here to learn more.
Need more information? Reach out to our team.
Whether you’re looking to volunteer, support our mission, or inquire about staying at the Greater Los Angeles Fisher House, we’re here to help. Our dedicated team is happy to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps. Fisher House is a community built on care, compassion, and commitment to our nation’s heroes and their families.
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