“These ‘comfort homes’ for military families can be found in every major military center, and yet there was not one in Miami-Dade County,” said Commissioner Diaz, who served as a U.S. Marine and is the County’s military liaison. “Our Miami VAHS treats over 55,000 veterans every year, and has enrolled over 3,400 local returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan for medical care. There is a definite need for this type of facility in our area in order to better meet the needs of our veterans and their families who require long-term care.”  It is estimated that, annually, more than 400 military and veteran families have been required to spend unreimbursed personal funds to stay in Miami-area hotels in order to be close to and assist loved ones during extended recuperative illnesses and rehabilitation.

The new facility will boast 15,000 square feet with 21 private guest suites. The design, construction, furnishing, and maintenance of a Fisher House are part of a public-private partnership, and the community is asked to raise the first $2 million. The federal government provides the land and the Fisher House Foundation provides the $4 to $6 million required for completion. The $1 million donated by the County Commission provides half of the $2 million from the community, a substantial amount to reach the Fisher House’s goal. 

The facility is slated for completion in 2010.

 
(L-R): Colonel Lettie Bien (USAR, Ret.); Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz; Ken Fisher, Fisher House Foundation Chairman; Mary D. Berrocal, Director, Miami VA Healthcare System; Donna E. Shalala, President, University of Miami; Wayne Carter, representing Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Alvarez.

(L-R): Dr. John R. Vara, Chief of Staff; Claire Monzeglio, Acting ACOS/Nursing Care; Dr. Gwendolyn Findley, Assistant Director; Donna E. Shalala; Mary Berrocal; Ken Fisher; Lettie Bien; Dr. Louise Grant, Acting Associate Director; Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz.