HISTORY

THE CAUSE

The Lighthouse is patterned after the Ronald McDonald Houses, American Cancer Society's Hope Lodges and Fisher Houses that serve many parts of the country.  Studies show that patients undergoing extended treatment away from home benefit when accompanied by a family member or companion who can provide care.

Access to inexpensive housing away from the hospital is necessary for many families who cannot afford lengthy hotel stays.  Most often such costs are not covered by medical insurance.  For this reason, hospitality houses serve a critical need for those seeking life-saving treatment.

THE HOUSE

The Lighthouse was built in 1915 in charming Jacksonville Beach, Florida.  The house has two stories and four bedrooms, and originally stood near the beachfront.  Then, many years after it was built, the house was sold to new owners, who placed the house onto a barge and floated it out into the Atlantic Ocean.  The house was routed north to the St. Johns River inland and south to the Intracoastal Waterway, where it was unloaded on its current site.

The house now sits adjacent to St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, who donated the house in 1996 to serve as the facility for the Lighthouse program.  The Lighthouse was chosen as a symbol of safety, comfort and hope.

THE RENOVATION

An extensive renovation project began in late 1997 and was completed in April 2000.  The bright, cheerful home, now modernized and comfortably furnished, includes four private bedrooms; three and one-half bathrooms; common kitchen, dining and living areas; a screened porch and laundry room; and a small administrative office.  The house property and first floor, including one bedroom, are accessible for those with special physical needs.

© 2004 SAINT ANDREW'S LIGHTHOUSE, INC.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.