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                      VA NEWS FLASH from Larry Scott at VA Watchdog dot Org -- 03-07-2009		  



 


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SIGN OF THE TIMES: ECONOMY PUTS FISHER HOUSE FOR

PITTSBURGH VA ON HOLD -- Fundraising efforts have

suffered. "We're not near where we need to be."

 

 

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Story here... http://www.pittsbu
rghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/
cityregion/s_614758.html

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Guest house for VA hospital in Oakland on hold

By Walter F. Roche Jr.
TRIBUNE-REVIEW



Plans for a 20-room family guest house on the grounds of the Veterans Administration hospital in Oakland might be delayed for a year or more because of competing projects and a slowdown in fundraising in the weakening economy.

Similar projects in a dozen locations across the country are ahead of the Pittsburgh plans, said Jim Weiskopf, spokesman for the Maryland-based Fisher House Foundation, which is building the facility.

"It's on the planning board, but we have other projects in the queue ahead of it," Weiskopf said.

The guest house at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System's University Drive Division would accommodate relatives of veterans undergoing treatment there. The foundation donates the houses to military medical centers.

Although backers of the project had hoped construction might begin this year, Weiskopf said a start is not likely before 2010 or even 2011.

Weiskopf said the foundation generally expects local supporters of its guest house projects to put up about half of the total costs, although that is "not a hard and fast rule." Cost estimates for the Oakland facility, originally pegged at about $3.5 million, now are $5.5 million to $6 million. A more precise estimate won't be available until Fisher House officials visit the site.

"The price can vary greatly," he said.

Fundraising efforts have suffered, said Ronald Conley, who volunteered to head up the effort in his spare time. Conley, who is the director of Veterans Services for Allegheny County, said only about $300,000 has been raised so far.


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"We're not near where we need to be," Conley said, "especially now with the economy." Fundraising began about 18 months ago.

Although the foundation has built 38 guest houses across the country, none are in Pennsylvania.

Patients at the Oakland facility often come from long distances, and family members end up sleeping in the hospital lobby or checking into a hotel. Once the guest house is built, relatives can stay there for free.

 Shelly Nulph, a spokeswoman for the VA in Pittsburgh, said the guest house will be built on what is now a parking lot at the rear of the medical center.

Conley has teamed with the American Legion in fundraising and said efforts are focused on enlisting corporate sponsors.

Nulph said the effort extends to workers at the medical center, where collection boxes have been set up. A comedy night including a sports memorabilia auction was held last month with the proceeds directed to the guest house. A golf outing is planned.

"We're doing what we can," Nulph said.



Walter F. Roche Jr. can be reached at 412-320-7894.

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posted by Larry Scott
Founder and Editor
VA Watchdog dot Org
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