WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Dozens of men and women who served our country are getting care overnight at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center.
For their family members, piecing together the funds to be close by for an extended period is a battle.
That's where the Fisher House comes in.
Juanelle Byler's brother is a Vietnam War veteran.
She traveled 1,200 miles from Missouri to visit him at the VA Community Living Center in West Palm Beach.
Byler is eligible to stay for free overnight at the Fisher House.
"They are very passionate about taking care of their guests," Byler said. "I really feel like this is my home away from home."
Family members of military service members and veterans are eligible for their service.
The Friends of Fisher House is a nonprofit that funds everything at this home away from home. The group said a new building is needed to better accommodate those with physical limitations.
Doubling the guest rooms from 8 to 16 would be in the proposed plans.
An elevator to the second floor is also a necessity, said Lauren Berkson, the president of Friends of Fisher House.
"It's important that our community recognizes that our veterans are severely underserved," Berkson told WPTV anchor Mike Trim. "It's important that we come into the 21st century with this new home. We're part of a bigger picture, but we're making a difference here locally."
Berkson and the Friends of Fisher House started a campaign called "Build it for the Brave."
The goal is to raise $5 million to build a new Fisher House on the grounds of the VA Medical Center campus in West Palm Beach.
Fisher House Manager Shelley Prickett said this upgrade will help family members who are in a tough spot.
"They have their family member with them and don't know what (to) do in that situation," Prickett said. "They're terrified and scared as to what's going to happen."
But this upgrade to this home-away-from-home could make that stay much easier.
The Friends of Fisher House hope to break ground on this project this fall.
Click here if you would like to donate.
