As I look back on this past year, I am filled with immense gratitude for the kindness and generosity of our supporters. Thanks to you, Hunter Hospitality House has been able to provide a lifeline to families and caregivers during their most difficult moments. Together, we registered 296 guests and provided 1,795 days of free lodging across our three Port Huron locations. These numbers represent so much more than nights of rest; they signify hope, comfort, and relief for those navigating medical challenges.

Here’s what your generosity has meant to our community this year:
🏠 Families staying close to loved ones during hospitalizations. Being nearby, and drawing strength from one another, can make all the difference during critical times, and your donations made this possible.
🏠 Caregivers finding moments of peace amid medical emergencies. A good night’s sleep or a quiet moment in one of our welcoming spaces helps caregivers recharge so they can continue to provide support.
🏠 Patients receiving chemotherapy, radiation, and other outpatient services enjoying a convenient, free respite between treatments. This year, many patients expressed their gratitude for having a calm, supportive place to rest and recover.
🏠 A community strengthened by kindness and support. Every gift you’ve given, and volunteer hour donated, is a reminder that we are in this together, building a stronger, more compassionate community.

As we prepare for 2025, we are excited to serve even more individuals and families in need. The new year brings opportunities to grow and deepen our impact, but we can only do this with your continued support. Your generosity fuels our mission to provide free lodging and a haven of hope to those facing some of life’s toughest challenges.
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to close out the year, consider making a year-end gift to Hunter Hospitality House. Your donation today will help us step into 2025 stronger than ever and ready to make a difference in even more lives. Every dollar counts, and every act of kindness makes an impact.
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Donate Now
From all of us at Hunter Hospitality House, thank you for your unwavering support. We wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful new year. Together, let’s continue to bring hope and healing to our community in 2025 and beyond.

​Hello, friends! I’m Freckles, the furry, four-legged staff member here at Hunter Hospitality House. I know you’re probably used to hearing from Tracy and my other human team members, but today it’s my turn. I’m here to give you a glimpse into my life, my “work,” and why I think this place is so special.

What inspired you to join the team at Hunter Hospitality House?
Well, to be honest, I didn’t exactly apply for the job—I was born for it! From the moment I wagged my way into Tracy and Jeff’s lives, it was clear I had a gift for making people smile and feel at ease. When I learned that guests at Hunter Hospitality House were sometimes stressed or overwhelmed, I knew my skills as a professional tail-wagger and cuddle expert could make a difference.

​What’s your role at Hunter Hospitality House, and what do you do on a day-to-day basis?
My official title is The Willards’ Dog, but I also moonlight as the Chief Happiness Officer. My day starts with a patrol of the houses to make sure everything smells right—because a dog’s nose knows! Then, I’m ready to greet guests and volunteers with a wag and some much-needed companionship. I’m particularly good at lounging nearby while people sip their coffee or read, reminding them that it’s okay to pause and take a deep breath.

​Most days, I share a chair with whoever is getting work done in their office (Mom's typing speed improves when I give her the look.) Once a week, my input at the staff meetings is invaluable (and I love that we’re all eating lunch). On other days, I’m a shoulder—or rather, a paw—to lean on for guests who need emotional support. 

​My biggest job is being present, wherever we represent Hunter Hospitality House, and I take that very seriously.

​Can you share a memorable moment that shows the impact you’ve had on guests?
Oh, absolutely—it has to be those magical moments when guests share their lunches with me. Have I mentioned I love lunch? Anyway, there’s just something about sitting together, and enjoying a meal, that creates a sense of connection. My personal favorite is when the fried chicken donated from Vinckier Foods shows up. The smell alone gets me dancing, and when a kind guest offers me a little piece, it feels like the ultimate expression of friendship. It’s not just about the chicken (though it’s delicious)—it’s about the warmth and generosity that fills this house every day. Moments like these remind me how lucky I am to be part of this family.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your role, and how did you overcome it?
Sometimes, guests are too worried about their loved one, or they aren’t sure how to act around a dog. Not everyone is a dog person, and I respect that. My strategy? Gentle tail wags, retiring to the office, and giving people their space. It usually works, and soon enough, even the skeptics are offering me belly rubs.

​What makes Hunter Hospitality House special from your perspective?
It’s the people. Every guest who walks through the door is met with kindness, whether it’s from the human staff, the volunteers, or me. This place is full of love, and I’m lucky to be part of a team that truly cares.

Can you share a fun fact about yourself that readers might not know?
My favorite hobby is taking the stuffing and squeakers out of my toys.  My current project is a supposedly “indestructible” triangle designed to look like a piece of pizza. It’s my go-to after a long day of making people smile.

​Any final thoughts?
I may not have words, but I do have a wagging tail, soulful eyes, and the kind of love that can brighten even the hardest day. To everyone who supports Hunter Hospitality House, thank you for helping create a place where people—and me—can make a difference.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear someone who needs a little comfort. Time to clock back in!
Paws and hugs,
Freckles 🐾

​At Hunter Hospitality House, we’ve seen firsthand how the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest impact. Preparing a meal may seem simple, but for our guests, it’s an expression of care and comfort in times of stress.

Many families who stay with us are here because their loved ones are facing serious health challenges. In the whirlwind of hospital visits, treatments, and uncertainty, a warm, home-cooked meal can offer a much-needed moment of peace. That’s where you come in!

Volunteering by Cooking

One of the easiest ways to help our guests is by volunteering to make a small meal, like a casserole or a pot of soup, that we can share with them. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy—just something hearty and comforting. These meals are a gift to our guests, letting them know that they are seen and cared for in a very tangible way.

Why It Matters

For many caregivers, taking time to prepare food is often the last thing on their minds. Your meal can lighten their load, allowing them to focus on their loved one’s health. A simple act of providing food helps foster the nurturing environment that is so important to the mission of Hunter Hospitality House.

How to Get Involved

If you love to cook and want to support our guests in a meaningful way, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re an expert chef or just enjoy making a great casserole, every meal makes a difference. Contact us, and we can discuss what meals are most helpful and coordinate a time for drop-off.

Together, we can nourish bodies and spirits—one meal at a time.

​As the Executive Director of Hunter Hospitality House and the writer of this blog, I often share the stories of those we serve, our dedicated volunteers, and our generous supporters. After a recent series of posts about the rest of our staff, someone suggested it might be time to share a bit about myself. So, welcome to this special edition of our blog, where I'll be interviewing myself—Tracy Willard—about the heart and soul behind Hunter Hospitality House, what inspires our work, and the vision we hold for the future.

What inspired you to start Hunter Hospitality House, and how has your vision for it evolved over the years?
My family’s own situation in 1991 was the inspiration. Babies who stay in the hospital longer than their mothers need to be fed every three hours. This was the case for us when our son Hunter was born prematurely. Sadly, he passed away when he was just 16 days old, and Hunter Hospitality House was founded in his memory. I remember the experience of driving to the hospital every few hours when I was emotional and exhausted, which was not safe for me or anyone else on the road—and I lived right in town. I have great empathy for those people doing that drive.
Parents who stay right across the street from the hospital at HHH can make those feedings without fail, which is important for the baby’s health and, in some cases, the nursing mother’s health, too. When we opened the first location, with recommendations from hospital staff, we realized the need was much greater than just parents of hospitalized babies. We know that when someone you love is critically ill or near death, you want to be right there with them in the hospital. But taking care of your own needs—like getting a shower, a quick bite to eat, and a little nap—can make a world of difference in how well you’re able to focus on your loved one and the information you’re getting from the medical staff. Our three locations of Hunter Hospitality House are close to the hospitals,  so you won’t be gone long, you can be on call, and you won’t even have to drive.
We also recognized the need to make Hunter Hospitality House available to those undergoing outpatient treatments like cancer therapy or wound care, ensuring they’d have access to the healthcare they needed, too.

Can you tell us a bit about your role at Hunter Hospitality House and what you do on a day-to-day basis?
As the Executive Director, my main responsibilities include raising funds to keep our services free, recruiting volunteers, increasing community awareness, working on outreach to neighboring counties, and leading the organization. A typical day might include writing thank you notes for donated items, signing donation receipts, attending a local networking meeting, researching advertising opportunities, coordinating a staff meeting, having lunch with a volunteer, and supporting another organization at their fundraising banquet.

Can you share a memorable story or moment that encapsulates the impact Hunter Hospitality House has had on its guests?
We once had a cancer patient tell us that if Hunter Hospitality House wasn’t available, there wouldn’t be a way for him to get to his twice-daily treatments in Port Huron. He lived 45 minutes away, didn’t have transportation, and didn’t know anyone who could bring him to town, either. For him, free hospital lodging was a matter of life and death.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as Executive Director, and how did you overcome it?
Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic was a huge challenge for Hunter Hospitality House. We closed the homes (at that time, there were just two) for three months, during which time I spent most of my days learning everything I could about how we could reopen safely for our guests, volunteers, and staff. We reopened at limited capacity and stayed on top of all the changing requirements from the CDC and the local health department. Leading our organization through that crisis was not anything I could have imagined doing, but our team worked together like rock stars.

How do you see the role of Hunter Hospitality House within the community, and what future goals do you have for its growth and outreach?
We are blessed to live and run Hunter Hospitality House in an area where collaboration and support among organizations and businesses are the norm, not the exception. I love attending community meetings and events and building relationships that help us all succeed in serving the public. My role is to support and help where I can.
In terms of growth and outreach, I work tirelessly for Hunter Hospitality House to be fully funded, become a household name throughout the Thumb of Michigan, and remain in the community for generations to come. While we don’t anticipate opening any new locations, I would love for us to be every family’s first choice for hospital lodging in the Port Huron area, the first thought when considering volunteer opportunities, and among the first organizations thought of when donating to charity.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a nonprofit or community service organization?
Research, research, research. Remember the Bible verse that there’s nothing new under the sun?  It’s so true.  Find the people who are already providing the service you want and ask for their advice. Be sure your area isn’t flooded with organizations similar to what you’re hoping to start because duplication of services leads to inefficient use of funds and overlapping efforts. Finally, count the cost. Are you willing to market, fundraise, and live out your organization’s mission 24/7 for the rest of your life, constantly representing it wherever you go? It can be a lot, but it’s the best job I’ve ever had and better than I ever prayed it would be.

Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that the reader might not know?
For a couple of years back in the early 2000s, I wrote a family humor column for our local newspaper. It’s hard to believe now because I can barely think of a funny Facebook post, let alone a chuckle-worthy 800-word essay!
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Any final thoughts?
I am a wife to Jeff, a mom to Garrett, Cullen, and Parker, a mother-in-law to Denielle, Kirsten, and Lily, a grandmother to Linus, Wren, and Vanessa, and a sister to Sherilyn. These are my people, and I devote a lot of time and energy to making these relationships rich and memorable. My family is everything to me.
Every day, I am reminded of why we do what we do at Hunter Hospitality House and the profound impact we can make during the hardest times in other families’ lives. I’m grateful to everyone who has been a part of our story, believed in our mission, and helped us keep Hunter’s legacy alive.

We are incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication of our Hunter Hospitality House Volunteer Cleaners. Their commitment to maintaining a clean, welcoming environment for our guests is truly inspiring. Every week, they go above and beyond to ensure that our spaces are spotless and comfortable.
​Thank you for making such a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve!

​Can you tell us a bit about your role at HHH and what you do on a day-to-day basis?
I am the Assistant Manager at Hunter Hospitality House, which essentially means I do the things the Manager does on the days he’s not doing them. I take phone calls and register guests to stay with us, along with general house maintenance, yard work, laundry and grocery shopping. I also sometimes handle the bookkeeping side of things, such as paying bills and processing donations.

What inspired you to work at HHH?
Hunter Hospitality House was founded by my parents at a time when I was living in another state. I was interested in the cause and what they were managing to do in my hometown, but I wasn’t in Michigan very often. It was a coincidence in timing that I was looking to move back to Michigan and get a new job at the same time the HHH board was looking to hire someone to assist Jeff.

What do you enjoy most about working at HHH?
Working in the nonprofit space has been my favorite aspect of the job. It has been very nice to feel like I’m genuinely helping people, rather than profit-seeking.

What are some of the key projects or initiatives you've been involved in during your time here?
One of my key projects has been videography. I have shot and edited multiple videos for events and promotional use, including the most recent volunteer interview video for Hope Blooms 2024. 

What do you find most challenging about your role, and how do you overcome those challenges?
There are social aspects of my job that I find difficult because I’m more introverted by nature. It can sometimes feel like there’s a lot of pressure to not say the wrong thing, especially with guests who may be very vulnerable or upset by their situation. Ultimately I just try my best and take care to be kind and gentle with people the same way I hope they are with me. 

Can you share a particularly memorable or rewarding moment you've experienced while working at HHH?
I have found interactions with guests whose loved ones are in the hospital for a mental health crisis particularly moving. Seeing the care and commitment those patients’ partners or parents have for them, and being able to keep those people close to the hospital at such a critical moment, really makes me feel like the work I’m doing is important.

How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally in your role?
The trust that this organization puts in me is my main motivator because it’s important to me not to let them down. Continuing to learn new things and taking on different types of responsibilities is sort of the nature of the job.

Are there any mentors or role models who have influenced your career journey? If so, how?
My parents, Jeff and Tracy Willard, have of course been my primary mentors and role models in this career. In addition to actually training me for all of my current responsibilities and showing me other tasks I may take on in the future, they have also modeled the way that this organization fits into their personal lives, and the mindset and attitude that keeps everything running.

Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
I do a lot of community theatre, on both the acting and directing side, and I also collect video games.

What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to pursue a career similar to yours?
Non-profit organizations like ours often have opportunities for volunteer work, so if you find yourself interested in the non-profit sector, I would probably start there. Volunteering will give you an idea of the way the organization runs and its mission statement, and it will probably also give you an idea of whether you find that sort of work fulfilling.

How do you balance your work life with your personal life?
This position affords me a fair amount of flexibility, so I can usually make time for the important things without taking away from the organization. It is important for me to be there for my wife and kids.

Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that the reader might not know?
Back in Arizona, I was the Dungeon Master for my group of friends’ Dungeons and Dragons game.

What are some professional goals or aspirations you hope to achieve in the future?
I tend to let life lead the way for me and not allow myself to worry about climbing ladders or competing professionally. If I can continue to help people, I’m doing what I want to do. That said, Jeff and Tracy will retire someday, so I make efforts to understand the responsibilities of the Manager and the Executive Director so that I might fill one of those roles someday, keeping the organization rooted in our family and connected to Hunter’s memory.

How do you contribute to HHH's culture and values?
Being the youngest person on staff, I try to bring in a millennial perspective and make sure that our modern understanding of certain social and economic issues is represented in the organization’s culture and values, and that we don’t allow ourselves to fall into outdated ideas. Luckily this hasn’t been difficult, as the organization is very open and understanding.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about yourself or your experience working at HHH?
Helping people in need and seeing the willingness of a community to donate and volunteer for this cause is a joyful experience. There is also a deep sadness that comes with getting to know people at some of the most difficult times in their lives. We focus on the joy so that we can be a light in those people’s darkness.

As the Co-Founder, Manager, Bookkeeper, and President of the Board at Hunter Hospitality House, Jeff Willard may be the hardest working person we know. A retired teacher, he devotes his time, talent, and boundless energy to the organization from early in the morning until late at night. We’re blessed to have such a dedicated employee, and thought you’d like to get to know him a bit better!

Can you tell us a bit about your role at HHH and what you do on a day-to-day basis?
Plans for each workday include contacting volunteers to update them on needs at the houses, processing donations & paying bills, registrations for guests as well as checkouts, shopping for guests' groceries, and repairs/upkeep/laundry at houses. Each day's plans are often altered by calls for un-planned guest registrations or more serious house concerns (such as clogged drains, guest locked out of room, etc.)

What inspired you to work at HHH?
It's something Tracy and I wanted to do since soon after Hunter passed away.  Though I never dreamed it would become a full-time job, working for HHH has been a dream come true.

What do you enjoy most about working at HHH?
The same thing that can be frustrating, the interruptions of my plans for a workday, is the thing I enjoy the most. There's a variety of work to be done, some of which is labor and some of which is human interaction. That variety that includes both outdoor and indoor work is nice. The best feeling is leaving a guest registration when they didn't know what they would have done if HHH hadn't been available. 

What are some of the key projects or initiatives you've been involved in during your time here?
There are too many projects to name, but being there for the opening of the first house is the biggest.

What do you find most challenging about your role, and how do you overcome those challenges?
When things get busy, I have to prioritize and accept that some things have to be left undone, either for another day or to be delegated.

Can you share a particularly memorable or rewarding moment you've experienced while working at HHH?
As previously mentioned, the gratefulness of guests is the most rewarding. A specific memory was soon after opening the house by Lake Huron Medical Center, which was Mercy Hospital at that time. A guest who was a single mom, struggling to get by, was losing her dad. When he passed away, she gave the $88 dollars he had in his pocket as a donation to HHH when she left. It was the present-day example of the biblical "Widow's Mite."  I reflect on that in being thoughtful about every dollar HHH spends.

How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally in your role?
There are opportunities for growth through online and in-person training. Although I was a math teacher for 29 years, accounting work is another animal that needs continued training, for sure!

Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
Hunting, fishing, chess, time with family.

What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to pursue a career similar to yours?
Be sure you love the mission, because if you're not all in, you won't love it...it's more work than it appears from the outside.

How do you balance your work life with your personal life?
Not too well. Since my wife Tracy is the Executive Director, it's very easy for work to become all enveloping. We are both learning to make a conscious effort to have times when we don't discuss work. It's a challenge!

Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that the reader might not know?
Met my wife in middle school when we both played alto saxophone.

What professional goals or aspirations do you hope to achieve in the future?
My goal is to keep my physical body in good enough shape to continue working for HHH as long as I'd like.

How do you contribute to HHH's culture and values?
As President of the Board of Directors, it's my job to guide HHH in a positive direction.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about yourself or your experience working at HHH?
We live in a wonderful community. I didn't realize growing up here just how generous it is. We have seen God do amazing things at HHH and I look forward to what the future holds!
 

Hunter Hospitality House wouldn't be the same calm, cozy and organized place without our awesome Administrative Assistant, Toni Forstner, so we wanted you to get to know her a little better, so here's a little interview. Honestly, it took her FOREVER to decide on her answers to these questions. She's one of the most humble people you'll meet, not to mention kind and selfless.  
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Introducing...Toni!

 Can you tell us a bit about your role at HHH and what you do on a day-to-day basis?

On a daily basis I process guest folders of when they check in and out, I am responsible for keeping our guest information numbers up to date for our impact reports and dashboard reports, I greet and interact with guests, I assist with any administrative needs that Tracy, Jeff, or Cullen may have. I also create most of the marketing materials you may see posted at the hospitals or for our fundraisers.

What do you enjoy most about working at HHH?

I enjoy meeting and assisting guests when I can, knowing that what I do on a daily basis helps make things a little better for our guests by them not needing to worry about lodging or amenities that we provide, reinforcing my belief that my work is meaningful and impactful.

What are some of the key projects or initiatives you've been involved in during your time here?
 
I have been involved with six Hope Blooms events, and the opening of the Family House.

What do you find most challenging about your role, and how do you overcome those challenges?

Managing tasks during busy periods like Hope Blooms planning can be quite a juggling act. To stay on top of things, I’ve made it a habit to keep a small notepad on my desk, jotting down daily to-dos and important reminders. With so much going on, remembering every detail can be a challenge!
 
Also, public speaking has always been an area of growth for me. I am gradually becoming more comfortable with it.

Can you share a particularly memorable or rewarding moment you've experienced while working at HHH?
 
Memorable moments for me often revolve around the bonds formed with our guests, especially during extended stays. As they become part of my daily routine, there’s a joy in greeting them each morning as they begin their day eating breakfast at the table. Listening to their stories, sharing in their journey, and offering well wishes. Over time, these long-term guests become more than just visitors, they become friends.

How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally in your role?
 
I stay motivated by participating in local workshops like the Blue Water Chamber's Lunch & Learns and attending networking events to discover fresh strategies for enhancing my role and adding new skills.

Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
 
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family.  We enjoy going out to eat, shopping, or playing board games. I love the warm weather and spending time swimming in my pool or the lake.

What advice would you give to someone who is aspiring to pursue a career similar to yours?
 
For someone pursuing a career with a nonprofit, I would suggest they volunteer and become familiar with the nonprofit, its mission, and its goals.

How do you balance your work life with your personal life?
 
Balancing my work life with my personal life may be a little easier for me because I only work part-time. My workday currently ends when my children get home from school, leaving the afternoon and evenings open for family time.
 
Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that the reader might not know?
 
Interesting fact about myself- I have a special bond with my grandmother and I normally spend Wednesday evenings visiting with her, chatting, and sometimes having a glass of wine. My daughters like to stop by on their way to or from dance to join us. When we leave my grandma will stand in the doorway and wave goodbye. It’s the highlight of our week.

What are some professional goals or aspirations you hope to achieve in the future?

Over the next year, I will be starting a new chapter in my personal life as both my daughters will be graduating high school and moving on to new adventures. I will also start a new journey and I aspire to attend more events and volunteer more, which I believe will enrich both my personal and professional life.

How do you contribute to HHH's culture and values?
 
I contribute to HHH’s culture and values by always putting the guests first, and spreading awareness to anyone I may meet who isn’t familiar with HHH and what we have to offer.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about yourself or your experience working at HHH?
 
My experience working at HHH has been unlike any other position I have had in the past. I have had the opportunity to connect with an array of individuals from community members and our guests to our dedicated volunteers, other nonprofit leaders, and local business owners. It is truly an enriching experience and has shown me all the wonderful things Port Huron has to offer. 

​Frequently, our focus centers around aiding our guests in helping their loved ones in the hospital. However, what about family members who cannot be present consistently? How can they enhance the well-being of their loved ones staying at Hunter Hospitality House?
Here are some suggestions for those supporting their friends or family members during their stay:

1. Stay Informed: Stay abreast of the services and resources available at Hunter Hospitality House. This involves understanding the rules, amenities, and support services so that you can guide your loved one appropriately.
2. Respect Privacy: Acknowledge the need for privacy and personal space. Guests at Hunter Hospitality House may be dealing with challenging situations, and it's crucial to respect their desire for quiet and solitude. This is why only registered guests, volunteers, and staff are allowed in the homes, and appointments are needed for registration.
3. Offer Emotional Support: Hunter Hospitality House provides a computer in each home, enabling guests to communicate with their families. Be an attentive listener and offer a supportive presence. Recognize that your loved one may be facing a challenging time, and expressing empathy can go a long way. Allow them to share their feelings and concerns without judgment.
4. Coordinate Logistics: Assist with practical matters like transportation, meals, and childcare if necessary. These practical gestures can alleviate some daily stressors, allowing your loved one to focus on their well-being. Hunter Hospitality House has a Family House where extended families with children can stay, which many find immensely helpful.
5. Encourage Self-Care: Remind your loved one to prioritize self-care. Suggest activities or practices promoting relaxation and stress relief, such as taking a walk, praying, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in hobbies. Hunter Hospitality House provides games, puzzles, adult coloring books, and various other amenities. Donors are also willing to provide specific hobby-related items upon request.
6. Stay Connected: Maintain regular communication while respecting your loved one's need for space. A simple text or call to check in and offer support can make a significant difference. Hunter Hospitality House offers free Wi-Fi and provides phone or iPad chargers during their stay.
7. Research Local Resources: Familiarize yourself with local resources, support groups, and counseling services beneficial for your loved one. Provide information on available options, allowing them to make their own choices about seeking more help. Your loved one will also receive a guest booklet and access to a community resource book.
8. Plan Positive Activities: Help in planning positive and uplifting activities during their stay. This could involve exploring local attractions, attending community events, or engaging in activities that bring joy and distraction. Staff and volunteers at Hunter Hospitality House are eager to help.
9. Respect Individual Coping Mechanisms: Acknowledge that everyone copes differently. Some guests may prefer solitude, while others may appreciate company. Respect your loved one's coping mechanisms and offer support in ways that align with their preferences.
10. Be Patient and Flexible: Recognize that emotions and situations can change rapidly. Be patient, flexible, and adaptable in your support. Your loved one may have good days and bad days, and your understanding can make a significant impact.

Remember, supporting a loved one during their stay at a hospital hospitality house requires sensitivity and understanding. Tailor your support to their unique needs, and encourage open communication about their feelings, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. And never, ever hesitate to contact me with any concerns.  ~Tracy Willard, Executive Director
 

​Hi! I’m Cullen Willard, son of Jeff and Tracy Willard, the co-founders of Hunter Hospitality House.

Back when I was a teenager, I remember my parents starting to have conversations about this wild idea they had. It was a notion they had already been thinking about for years, but it was only just coming to my attention. They were calling it “Hunter House,” named for my older brother Hunter, who I never met because he passed in infancy. It was a place where new moms could stay right next to the hospital while their newborns were kept in intensive care, and other people could stay there too if their family member or friend was in the hospital, or if they were going back and forth for their own hospital treatment. It would be a charity organization, and staying there would be totally free. It sounded interesting, though I didn’t really understand the function at the time. I had very little experience with hospitals.

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Also, I was surprised to hear my parents talking about taking on something so different, and so ambitious. My dad had been a middle school math teacher as long as I could remember, and my mom had for the most part been a stay-at-home mom, later doing part-time work in babysitting and sales to help make ends meet. I was very accustomed to the routine of our lives. Work and dress shirts and ties and afterschool activities and biweekly paychecks to pay for the groceries were normal. The idea of them starting their own organization was creative and risky and almost out of character for my very normal parents, but they were excited and passionate about something together, which was fun to see.

As time passed, things became more realized. My parents were reading books called things like “Starting a 501(C)(3) For Dummies,” and the conversation shifted from “What do you think about this idea?” to plans and schedules, and funding. I remember one evening when I was in high school, sitting in the living room with my girlfriend (now wife) watching TV, and my parents coming in to ask if we had any ideas for a logo for Hunter Hospitality House. I fancied myself an artist, so I grabbed a piece of computer paper and a pencil and doodled a prototype of a big block letter H where the negative space was a window and a door, adding a little roof and a chimney on top. Their work continued, and I wasn’t aware of everything that went on in the background, but when I was away for my first semester of college, Hunter Hospitality House opened its doors.

When I went home for breaks from school, I got to see a lot of the early progress with the organization, and I was pleased to find out that my parents, after years of hobnobbing with all of the folks at church and school and extracurricular activities, had received an outpouring of support from the local community. All of the childhood hours of sitting in church lobbies and gymnasiums waiting for my mom to finish a conversation with a new friend had paid off, because it seemed like my parents knew everyone in town, and the combination of a good cause and those friendly relationships had earned them their dream. They were really doing it.

In the years that followed, my wife and I would move out of state and start a family of our own, and I was learning a lot about the way the world works. I spent a lot of time in hospitals before the birth of my son, and I learned that the spouse of a patient doesn’t get a place to stay at the hospital. They’ll wheel a little chair into the room for you to sleep in if they have a spare, but if you aren’t the one paying a hospital bill, you’re essentially in the way. When the day arrived, our baby was born pretty small, and with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck just like his daddy. We were so worried about the possibility of him having to stay in the NICU, or that my wife’s hospital stay would end and we would have to leave him there, dozens of miles from our home. There was no Hunter Hospitality House for us out there, and we would have been out of luck.

When he was older our son would come down with pneumonia, and my wife would get to experience sleeping in a hospital chair while our son recovered in his strange, sterile crib/cage. We were there for days, with no place to shower or eat or have any respite from that horrible room. And ultimately, we were the lucky ones. We had friends whose babies were born prematurely and stayed in the NICU for weeks, where there was no option to suffer through it and be with them. Every time I was faced with another hospital visit, I was reminded of the great work my parents were doing back in my hometown.

My daughter was born near the beginning of the pandemic, which meant canceled flights and no parents in town to help us during those first weeks of her life. No one got to visit us in the hospital, including our son, who was at home with my brother-in-law. Thankfully he lived nearby because if we didn’t have someone local to babysit our son, that would have meant I needed to stay home and watch him, missing the birth of my daughter, and leaving my wife to fend for herself through sleepless nights and a difficult delivery. Meanwhile in Port Huron, Hunter Hospitality House had to cease operation along with most other businesses and organizations, which was the correct decision at the time, but it left the local community without that important asset.

After my daughter was born, we were planning to move back to Michigan as soon as we felt like it was safe to travel again. When she was about a year old, my dad reached out to let me know that an assistant manager position was being created at Hunter Hospitality House. He was being stretched too thin as the manager, and the organization was growing with the introduction of the new Family House location. He told me that if I happened to move back soon, I could apply for the job, but the position was needed urgently and would not be held for me once it was created. I had already left my previous job to be a stay-at-home dad, with daycare being much less affordable now that we had two kids. Around this time my wife decided that she needed to do something else for work, and our landlords raised our rent, and it became clear that the timing was all coming together. We needed to move, we needed new jobs, I had a job offer back home, and the time was now. We took a cross-country road trip, and we were back in Port Huron, and I would finally get a closer look at the organization my parents had spent the past 10 years working on.


Back in 1991 when my brother Hunter was born, he needed to stay in the Port Huron Hospital after my mom’s hospital stay had ended, and he was in and out of the hospital until he passed a short time later. This meant a lot of driving back and forth for my parents, who lived about half an hour outside of town and were exhausted and sleep-deprived from the experience. We weren’t really talking about “Drowsy Driving” in the ’90s, but it’s now widely considered to be more dangerous than texting or other distracted driving. They needed help, and they didn’t receive it.

There is a lot of work that needs to be done to make the world a better place, and we can’t always rely on our elected officials or our for-profit businesses to make it happen. This is the role of non-profit organizations in our society. They pick up the slack that isn’t profitable for other people to help with, and they draw upon the generosity of our community to do it. It makes me so proud of my parents that they stepped away from their normal lives and took it upon themselves to organize a place for people to receive the help they need, that they themselves needed 30 years ago and didn’t have. It’s an honor for me to work for Hunter Hospitality House and continue this legacy that my parents began.