Happy New Year, dear friends! As you think about New Year’s resolutions, and what 2015 might bring, we are thinking about our New Year’s milestone – 20,000 room nights!

Because of your generosity and commitment to supporting our “home away from home” over the past 3 ½ years, this January we have reached a new important milestone, providing 20,000 room nights to transplant patients and their families!

Since opening our doors in 2011, over 900 transplant families have stayed at the Howie’s House – some of whom had to travel thousands of miles, staying at the Howie’s House for months at a time, while their loved ones were hospitalized here in Philadelphia. Not only that, but your generosity and support has made it possible for us to serve these families more than 80,000 meals, so that they could always come ‘home’ after a long day in the hospital and sit down to a nice, hot meal. We are so grateful we can count on your support.

And our guests are grateful they can count on you too!

We’re not the only ones who want to extend our gratitude. Guests at the Howie’s House also want to share their message of thanks:

“The transplant process is a long process of testing, waiting, and lots of appointments. In our case home is just too far away to be feasible. We really appreciate that this “home away from home” exists. We really do appreciate all of your generosity! Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts!” – Steve & Tina

“After long trying days it’s a great comfort to come here and be welcomed by others and a staff of caring friendly people. Only through your support and continued support can all this be made possible day after day. Blessings to each of you. Jeanette, a guest in waiting for a gift of new life.” 

“Words cannot fully express our gratitude for your help. We came here after our precious baby received a heart transplant. We were tired, stressed, and out of money. Your blessings gave us the opportunity to stay at a wonderfully clean, hotel style house. Thank you for your wonderful gift.” -Guest of the Howie’s House

We extend our heartfelt wishes to you and yours for a New Year filled with peace, joy and good health.

Happy New Year!

Gift of Life Howie’s House serves as a “home away from home” for transplant patients and their families who travel to Philadelphia for transplant-related care. Amenities include a communal living room, kitchen and dining room, on-site parking, laundry facilities, and transportation to and from local hospitals. Guests are asked to pay a greatly reduced rate per night to stay at the Howie’s House, and no family is ever turned away due to their inability to pay.