The celebration is rightfully deserved, considering the impact these accommodations have had on people’s lives during some of their most challenging times. Often for weeks at a time, both hospitality homes provide families a place to stay that is within steps of their loved ones who are receiving medical treatment at one or more Orlando Health hospital.

The Hubbard House

The Hubbard House opened in 1994 adjacent to Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC) and provides a home away from home for the loved ones of patients who find themselves in the hospital for an extended period of time. Hosting an average of 50 guests per night and 1,200 per year, the Hubbard House has provided for families from more than 100 countries and every state in the US.

Supported through philanthropy and under the direction of a live-in manager and two assistant managers, the Hubbard House provides its guests three meals per day, a gym, laundry facilities, a kitchen, TV room, play room, library and common areas for guests to mingle with one another. The staff are food, automated external defibrillator (AED) and CPR certified.

“Our number one goal, is to provide a healing environment where patients know their family is being well taken care of while they are in the hospital,” explained Peggy Smith, Resident Manager at the Hubbard House. “We try and help restore a sense of calm during a time of illness or injury that can reduce stress and keeps loved ones close to the patient.”

Adopt-a-Day

Before Hubbard House was built almost 25 years ago, it was not unusual to find family members of patients sleeping in the waiting areas or hallways throughout the hospital, afraid to move away from a loved one who was critically ill. Hubbard House now provides them all of the amenities of being in their own homes but still close enough to feel comfortable leaving the hospital. You can help provide this service to those in need by adopting a day ($100) or a week ($500) that is special to you and your family. Call 407.649.6886 to schedule, or donate online at Give.OrlandoHealth.com/HubbardHouse.

The Perry Pavilion

In September 2004, the Cynthia C. & William E. Perry Pavilion opened at Dr. P. Phillips Hospital to provide the same type of comforts as the Hubbard House. Thanks to many generous individuals such as Cynthia and William Perry, as well as local hoteliers and lodging associations who funded this project, the two-story hospitality pavilion is designed to comfortably accommodate families with overnight lodging. The Perry Pavilion hosts an average of 12 people a night, serving over 6,000 guests since it opened. Often, the Perry Pavilion supports many out-of-town guests whose family member requires medical attention while on vacation in Central Florida.

Volunteers Needed

The Hubbard House is always in need of volunteers between the hours of 8am and 9pm to help cook, clean, organize, make snack bags and help put away donations. Volunteers are typically asked to commit to 4 hours per week for a year. Teen volunteers, including those in the Bridges to Success or Bright Futures programs are also welcome.