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Nicole Pruitt, left, is comforted by Linda Claar and Ede Willard at the Fisher House in Minneapolis, Minn. Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010. Pruitt is staying at the Fisher House while her father is recovering at the VA Medical Center after he suffered a heart attack. Linda Claar said of living together at the Fisher House, "Sharing our situations with each other brings the families together."
MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson
The Fisher House has been a source of shelter and comfort for families of veterans since it was built adjacent to the Minneapolis VA Medical Center in 1995. The 10-bedroom shelter is one of 55 such houses around the world that serve families of military or VA medical center patients.
In addition to a free room to stay, the Fisher House provides food, laundry and computer access to those visiting their loved ones.
Perhaps the most valued benefit is the fellowship shared by the families.
"Because [the guests] are experiencing similar things while they're here, they get close and it helps with the healing process," said Fisher House manager Marge Oslund.
A second 20-room Fisher House is currently under construction next door and will open in February. The new building is funded by the Fisher House Foundation, and donations have also been received by groups such as the American Legion, Blue Star Mothers and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
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Guests at the Fisher House in Minneapolis, Minn. Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010. The Fisher House provides a place to stay for families of patients who are being treated at the nearby VA Medical Center.
MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson
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Nicole Pruitt, left, is comforted by Linda Claar and Ede Willard at the Fisher House in Minneapolis, Minn. Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010. Pruitt is staying at the Fisher House while her father is recovering at the VA Medical Center after he suffered a heart attack. Linda Claar said of living together at the Fisher House, "Sharing our situations with each other brings the families together."
MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson
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Fisher House manager Marge Oslund, right, receives help putting away the weekly groceries from Marilyn Petty, right, and Nicole Pruitt at the Fisher House in Minneapolis, Minn. Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010. Oslund, who has been with Veterans Affairs for 30 years, said the Fisher House provides comfort and safety for the families of loved ones receiving treatment. "It brings a lot of piece of mind, being so close, for the families, and helps with the healing process."
MPR Photo/Jeffrey Thompson
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