The mission of Kevin Guest House is to offer a safe, warm, secure respite providing love, support and affordable accommodations for patients, outpatients and their loved ones.

Description:
Kevin Guest House provides an atmosphere of caring and hospitality which helps families focus on their loved ones without the stress of finding temporary, affordable accommodations near local health care facilities and services.

History:
In 1972, Mr. & Mrs. Cyril Garvey of Sharon, PA were instrumental in acquiring the property located near the corner of Ellicott and High Streets in Buffalo, NY, now known as Kevin Guest House. The house stands as a memorial to their son, Kevin, who lost his battle with cancer that same year. The Garvey's were aware of the need for affordable housing for out of town people to stay during the hospitalization of a loved one.

In 1972, a group of civic-minded community leaders formed a not-for-profit corporation, complete with a Board of Directors, to supervise the management of the house. Volunteers obtained donations of paint, wallpaper and furniture and began renovating the Main House. Through their persistence and hard work, Kevin Guest House welcomed its first guests on July 26, 1972. This hospitality has now been extended to families of patients who are receiving treatment at any one of Buffalo's hospitals.

Kevin Guest House has the bold distinction of being the first hospital hospitality house in the nation.

In cooperation with the Roswell Park Cancer Institute bone marrow treatment unit, four apartments adjacent to the Main House are now available for that purpose. These guest spaces serve bone marrow patients who require separate housing due to their severely weakened immune systems. Of equal importance to the patients is the home-like atmosphere of each apartment, which truly does help to promote the physical and mental wellness of each guest.

At present, contributions are made based on each guest's ability to pay.

Contact people:

Wayne Zimmerman, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Cathleen Allen, Developmnet Specialist, (phone), (email) Barbara Fraser, Administrative Assistant, (phone), (email)

Address:

782 Ellicott Street Buffalo, NY 14203 (See a map)

Directions:

Located on Ellicott Street, which runs parallel to Main St. Ellicott St. runs one way north at this point. Going south on Main Street, turn left on Carlton, drive two blocks east to Ellicott. Turn left on Ellicott -. . . (more)   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Allen Street,   Walk distance (in minutes): 3   Nearest Bus Stop: Delaware, 10 minute walk