When a child becomes seriously ill and has to be hospitalized for a long period of time in a distant hospital, the family accompanying the child cannot stay at the hospital with the child.
In 1991, the first Family House was established in Japan as a "second home" where such families could rest in peace.
The fee is 1,000 yen per person per night, and we support approximately 5,000 people each year of their "usual life", which they cherish even when they are ill.
Each house is like a home away from home, a "community" where people naturally support each other. Together with our staff, volunteers, donors, and local residents, we are committed to supporting the feelings of sick children and their families.
Message from Yachiyo Eguchi,
Chairman of Certified Nonprofit Organization Family House
Family House, a certified non-profit organization, began its activities in 1991 to create a residential facility for children and their families receiving treatment at a specialized hospital in Tokyo, away from their distant homes.
Initially, the movement began with the idea of creating "another home away from home" where families could feel safe and secure and they could talk about their concerns with other families having the similar situation while they could focus on caring for their children.
Family House is now expected to serve not only as a place to stay with less financial burden, but also as a part of total care.
We provide a sense of community to the users through family gatherings and interaction among users, as well as our staff, including professionals. We look after sick children and their accompanying families so that they can "rebuild normal life".
This activity would not be possible without the support of volunteers.
In the early days, there was some concern as to whether this voluntary movement would take root, however, employees have come to support this activity as a part of their company's social contribution.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and many volunteers who sympathized with the movement and donated rooms, I believe that awareness of the accommodation facilities is spreading and deepening.
Similar activities are being developed all over the country. Although the forms of the operation vary, the houses in each region are operated on a non-profit basis with the cooperation of local supporters. These operators have been holding the National Network of Stay Facility Operators Conference once a year since 1997 to exchange information and improve the quality of service. In 2013, we developed a three-pillar language for the professionalism of house staff: mind, skills, and knowledge. This has been useful in educating staff on what to value in their operations and how to train them.
Since we began our activities in 1991 to the present, social conditions surrounding Family House have changed. Due to advances in medicine and changes in medical policies encouraging shorter hospital stays, the needs of the House are becoming more diverse and sophisticated. There are more and more cases that require direct cooperation with medical institutions. To cope with these changes we plan to create the "Ideal House". Although this is a challenging goal, we will continue to move forward towards our dream by combining the wisdom we have accumulated to date to create a comfortable house for the users both in terms of the facility and the service.
We believe the foundation of the Family House is to help families to use the Family House with peace of mind. While the demands are changing, they can focus on taking care of their children with a stable feeling, and feel encouraged through the use of the Family House.
Family House would like to walk with you all, remembering the House is a place where families can use with peace of mind and devote themselves to nursing their children with a sense of stability.
We would appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
How your money can support our work
Your donation will be used for activities of our organization, such as House operations and consultation services.
[Your donation will help us to deliver]
- Affordable Accommodation: ¥1,000 per Person per Night
- House Quality: Creating Comfortable, Supportive Environments
- Fostering Supportive Communities
Awards
2018: The 70th Health Culture Award
(Sponsored by Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company; Supported by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, Asahi Shimbun Health and Culture Agency, and NHK Public Welfare Organization)
2015: President Yachiyo Eguchi received The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Rays
2005: Social Contributor Award (by the Foundation for Social Contribution)
