The vision for expanding SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals is a reality: We are proud to announce that our community has accomplished raising $9.6 million to expand Family House to 75 rooms! Construction is well underway, and we anticipate opening our doors to more guests in Fall 2020.

You Came, You Shared, You Gave Hope a Home

Donors across the state have responded generously to the compelling need to provide more safe, affordable lodging and support to patients and caregivers who travel to UNC Hospitals for lifesaving procedures and serious illnesses. Heartfelt donations from individuals, including volunteers and guests; statewide foundations and corporations; local businesses and community groups; and the Family House Board of Directors and Campaign Leadership have been swift, generous, and inspiring to others.

“We celebrate a remarkable transformation by completing the Share the House expansion campaign. All who worked to accomplish this goal leave a true legacy of caring. I am proud and humbled to see this tangible expression of our community's belief in the Family House mission and service to our guests.”
- Ian B. Buchanan, MD; President of Family House Board of Directors

Timeline to Success

In the Fall of 2015, the Family House Board of Directors voted unanimously to begin the Share the House campaign for expansion, and pledged the first $1 million toward the fundraising goal. Their commitment was soon followed by a $2 million challenge grant from founding partner SECU Foundation, and our vision for serving more guests at Family House was on its way to reality. Planning for the expansion has included due diligence with the Town of Chapel Hill, UNC Health Care, the State of North Carolina, UNC-Chapel Hill, volunteers, donors, neighbors, and guests. We celebrated a groundbreaking in Fall 2018, and the sights and sounds of construction progress now add exciting anticipation to daily life at Family House. 

“With my treatment schedule, we are frequent guests at Family House. Knowing the expansion is really happening relieves the stress of wondering if there will be room for us. Family House is part of our healing and we don’t know what we’d do without you all.” – James Ford, Kenly, NC; guest of Family House

Leadership, Leadership, Leadership

Much like the real estate adage of location, location, location, our campaign fundraising success has been all about leadership, leadership, leadership. The Board of Directors and Board President Ian B. Buchanan have led the way by contributing significant financial support, expertise, and strategic planning. Campaign Co-Chairs Bob and Becky Woodruff, Maureen O'Connor, and Matt Ewend have forged new partnerships, developed opportunities to reach new donors and statewide organizations with our mission, and inspired others with their passion and commitment. Executive Director Janice McAdams, Director of Development Martha Aldridge, Director of House Operations Janice Ross, and the entire outstanding staff have served approximately 2,300 guests a year while simultaneously executing a detailed campaign plan.

Looking Ahead

The campaign has brought awareness of our mission to more corners of the state, and nearly doubling the number of guests will allow more opportunities for volunteers and community organizations to be involved in our mission. As we anticipate providing lodging, meals, supportive programs, transportation, and a caring support network to more guests, we invite the community to become involved by visiting secufamilyhouse.org.