More to the Story with Staley: Welcome Home Chattanooga Expansion

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Welcome Home Chattanooga is in its seventh year of operation. It’s a place for those who are facing a serious illness or death and need a safe shelter.

It’s a quiet little slice of our area. But not as quiet right now, though, because construction is underway.

They are building and remodeling. For example, the new cancer home is now ready for patients.

It has more space, more bedrooms, more of everything, for those who are battling that dreaded disease.

“We usually have a waiting list. It usually takes a bit of time to get people here,” said director of education Judith Pedersen-Benn. “It could take a day. Then again, it could maybe take a week. It all depends. But our cancer program is full right now.”

Here at Welcome Home, a staff of between 10 to 12, mostly volunteers, treat patients like family. If one needs a ride, or a meal or medicine, it’s provided.

The new cancer home is just the beginning really, of growing steadily and relying on funding from a very generous community.

“We started with a grant from BCBS. But the surprising and wonderful thing is that we have a very large amount of community support. We feel the Chattanooga community has been very generous to us!” Pedersen-Benn said.

As the money comes in, the work will continue, so more people can face the end of life with compassion and dignity.

The average length of stay for patients at “Welcome Home” is roughly 90 days.

Generally, it helps older adults, 55 and older.