House closing will benefit other Albert Lea charities

Staff

Published Friday, February 27, 2004

By Geri McShane, Tribune Lifestyles Editor

The House of Hope - a facility where patients and/or their families may stay for a nominal fee while receiving care at the Mayo Cancer Treatment Center at Albert Lea Medical Center - will soon be closing its doors.

While the financial status of the house is sound, its board has determined that it is simply under-used.

In a letter to contributors this week written on behalf of the board of directors, Ed and Joyce Shaman stated, "With a deep sense of regret, the board of directors of the House of Hope have decided to dissolve this not-for-profit organization. A change in the outreach of the oncology department at the Albert Lea Medical Center has diminished the demand for housing for out-of-town patients.

The mission of the house was expanded two years ago to include out-of-town visitors of nursing home residents and last year to include families at the time of bereavement.

Although greatly appreciated by those who have been guests at the house, it has been determined that the need for the house is insufficient."

Five years ago, the house at 310 E. Clark St. was purchased for $164,500. The support of the community and work of the fund-raising committee have reduced that mortgage to $73,755.07. Household improvements have included the installation of a new furnace, hot water heater, bathroom fixtures, refrigerator, freezer, kitchen flooring, upstairs carpeting, a complete library renovation, a deck and handicap accessible ramp, blacktop and paving of the parking lot, painting of garage, a new back door and a keyless entry system.

"The board have been really good stewards of the house," Joyce Shaman said.

The house is also completely furnished, equipped and decorated, once again thanks to the community. "I've valued every contribution, right down to the kitchen spatula," she added.

Since there are so many other areas of need in the community, the board determined that the assets of the House of Hope could be put to better use elsewhere. The house and contents will be sold and the funds will be allocated to other local not-for-profit organizations, Joyce Shaman said.

"Once all is said and done, there will be some nice monies to put back into the community," she said.

"The House of Hope stood as a testimony to the generous spirit of the people of Freeborn County," the Shamans stated in their letter. "Within a matter of months an idea became a reality. For five years, it served to make life a little easier for people in their time of need. Thank you to all who contributed to this worthwhile venture. It was a sound investment. The financial success of the House of Hope will now benefit our community."

(Contact Geri McShane at lifestyles@albertleatribune.com, or call 379-3436.)

---

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?

---