SECU Family House at University of North Carolina (UNC) Hospitals in Chapel Hill, NC reached a remarkable milestone recently --- providing its 100,000th guest stay since opening its doors in March 2008. A place of housing, healing, and hope, SECU Family House offers affordable, safe, home away from home accommodations to UNC Hospital’s adult critical care patients and their families. Over the past four years, more than 8,000 patients or family members of patients have traveled from 99 of North Carolina’s 100 counties, 35 states and 7 foreign countries to rest, heal, and recuperate at the SECU Family House.
State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) members, via the SECU Foundation, began supporting SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals with a $2 million challenge grant for its capital campaign in 2005. Receiving no federal or state funding, SECU Family House relies on individuals, local businesses and foundations for the majority of their funding and volunteer support. SECU Advisory Board members and Credit Union employees continue to show their dedication by giving their time, and raising additional funds for the House. Many volunteer their culinary talents by preparing and serving a variety of meals, and donate “wish list” items for guest and facility needs. Book drives have collected new and gently used books for the Family House library, while other successful fundraising initiatives, including a statewide SECU Family House cookbook fundraiser and annual golf tournament have raised close to $100,000 towards extending North Carolina hospitality to Family House patients and guests.
SECU Foundation Board Chair Jim Barber comments, “SECU Foundation is proud to
have been a partner in bringing SECU Family House to fruition in Chapel Hill, helping thousands of guests find comfort and solace during their stay. Many of us know friends and family members who have benefited from the affordable accommodations provided by this housing facility. SECU members and employees continue to be compassionate and dedicated supporters of SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals and truly represent the Credit Union philosophy of ‘People Helping People.’”
“Reaching this milestone in four short years demonstrates the critical need for our services,” remarks Greg Kirkpatrick, SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals Executive Director. “Beyond convenient, affordable lodging, the families who stay with us – from every corner and hollow of North Carolina – benefit from home-cooked dinners most weeknights, many of which are provided by SECU members and employees, together with a lot of compassion, nurturing and support from a committed corps of volunteers, fellow guests, and staff.”