The most expensive cancer diagnosis and treatment costs are hospitalization, regular clinic visits, medications, tests, surgeries and procedures, home health care, and the services of doctors and other experts. If you have insurance, financial assistance, or access to public health care, then you have most costs for cancer treatment covered. However, if you are a cancer patient who needs help funding your treatment and living expenses, this article is for you.
In this guide, we will share various ways to acquire free housing for cancer patients and the resources provided by such housing assistance programs.
Assistance Or Free Housing For Cancer Patients
Lodging is a typical expense that comes with cancer treatments that many people overlook. In most circumstances, inappropriate lodging adds unnecessary stress to the lives of cancer patients. This is the reality for many cancer-affected individuals, including young children, adults, and seniors.
There are, however, a variety of options available to help the patients' families afford housing costs while they receive treatment.
1. Healthcare Hospitality Network
The Healthcare Hospitality Network (HHN) is a community of nearly 200 nonprofit organizations that help cancer patients and their families find lodging. Through its hospital hospitality houses, the HHN organization takes pleasure in building supportive communities. These residences are frequently provided for free or at a large discount in order to alleviate the financial burden and life risk that cancer can cause.
2. American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge
The American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge, like HHN, is a free housing service for cancer patients whose best treatment option and medical care are in another state. There are more than 30 Hope Lodge locations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Hope Lodge's mission is to provide a living environment where patients can concentrate entirely on their treatment needs.
3. Joe's House
Ann W. Calahan, the founder of Joe's House, knew personally how difficult it was to find a place to stay after her husband was diagnosed with cancer. Joe's House wants to simplify the reservation process and make it easy to find homes near cancer treatment hospitals. This is accomplished through existing agreements with hotels and accommodation establishments across the U.S. However, it is important to keep in mind that Joe's House does not offer financial aid or free cancer treatment services. Nonetheless, several of its partners provide discounts and financial support for cancer patients.
4. Ronald McDonald House Charities
With over 375 global Ronald McDonald House programs, this organization can provide over 2.5 million overnight visits per year. The RMHC program reduces the emotional burden and financial stress of assisting your child with cancer care and treatment.
5. Sisters Network Inc.
Sisters Network Inc. is the only African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States. The Breast Cancer Aid Program — which provides financial assistance and resources for accommodation, copays, and office visits — is also administered by this organization.
6. Hosts For Humanity Housing Program
The Hosts For Humanity Housing Program is a national temporary housing program in the U.S. for cancer patients undergoing active treatment. However, the patient must be over 30 miles from their care center to qualify for this program; meals and transportation are also not included. Nonetheless, accommodations allow one caregiver, eliminating the need for a family member to stay and take care of the patient.
7. Extended Stay Housing Program
This free nationwide housing program extends its services to cancer patients in the U.S. residing more than 40 miles from their treatment centers. In addition, it also provides free transportation to and from the cancer treatment center.
One of the eligibility requirements for this program involves a demonstrated financial need. The Extended Stay agreement with the American Cancer Society determines a patient's eligibility (ACS). Once ACS has verified their eligibility, reservations can be made through a dedicated website.
8. Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program operates with government funds through the Department of the Treasury as permitted by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. For 18 months, qualified seniors, low-income households, disabled individuals, and other people in need are entitled to receive grant funds. The financial assistance received is to be allocated for housing rental costs.
9. HUD Emergency Solutions Grant
Cancer treatment and medical care do not come at very low prices. If you are at immediate risk of homelessness as a result of being delayed with your rental payments, then the HUD Emergency Solutions Grant is your best option. Aside from providing temporary housing for cancer patients, it also offers short-term rental assistance, overdue rent payments, advance payments for rental deposits, utility deposits, moving expenses, mediation, legal services, and more.
To be eligible for this program, you must have an annual income that is less than 50% of the median income in your area.
10. CSC Airbnb Housing Program
Cancer Support Community (CSC) is a national nonprofit organization that, in partnership with Airbnb, provides free temporary accommodation and support services to cancer patients in the United States who must travel at least 100 miles for treatment and have proven financial need. If you have been diagnosed with cancer and require medical care away from your home, then this program is an excellent option.
Get The Support You Need Today!
Cancer is difficult enough without having to worry about finances. Millions of people, however, are with you and ready to fight alongside you. The programs listed above provide one of many critical components that a cancer patient requires — excellent lodging during treatment.
While seeking free housing options for cancer patients is crucial, it's also worth exploring other available resources. Discover how government grants can support sober living homes in our dedicated blog post, offering a lifeline for those in recovery.
In addition to free housing for cancer patients, the government provides rental assistance for disabled people on social security. Read this Gov Relations article to learn more.
