​Springtime is amazing for Hunter Hospitality House, and summer’s wonderful, too—all because of the gardens and well-kept lawns.

​Who Does All of That Work?!
A quick list of volunteers who regularly help with off the top of my head would include names like Jean, Matt, Dominic, Hannah, Adam, Scott, Lynn, Steve, Paul, Rick and Rebecca.  It would also include groups like St. Mary’s Youth Group, Eastern Michigan Thumb Association and Blue Water Choices. 
Truth is, there are many, many more.  We’re blessed to have many people reach out to us and ask how they can help make our Hunter Hospitality Houses beautiful.

​What Exactly Are Volunteers Doing Outside?
Just like your house, our places need planting, weeding, trimming, mowing, edging, watering and mulching.  Our volunteers’ contributions of time, talent and supplies mean HHH doesn’t have to pay companies to do the work.  That allows us to use donor funds right where they’re needed—providing free lodging and abundant amenities.

​And Where?
Three locations--beautiful homes.  Three yards.  Numerous garden areas.  It’s a lot of ground to cover.  Takes a village!

And When?
So, when does this magic take place?  Well, that’s the cool thing about outdoor volunteering.  You do what you want when you want to.  Seriously.
 If you’re interested in starting, adding to, or just maintaining a garden, let us know.  We’ll meet with you for a few minutes at your convenience, showing you the yard of whichever location, you’d like.  Just give us a call at 810-824-3679 and leave a message.  After your first meeting with us, you’re free to work whenever it’s best for you.

​Why?
Guests often tell us that they feel more peaceful and calmer about their circumstances after they’ve sat outside, enjoying an HHH garden.  And there’s science behind that.
According to an article on mentalfloss.com called 11 Scientific Reasons Why Being in Nature is Relaxing, “A study by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health found that a natural environment allowed people to leave the stressors of their everyday lives behind and instead focus their minds on something more pure.  By centering your mind, you can relax your body.”
*Note I have not verified the existence of that study…seems right to me, though!  😊

Ditch the Perfectionism
Are the yards and gardens perfect at the Hunter Hospitality Houses?  Not always.
For example, we choose not to use donor dollars in watering the grass frequently, so it gets kind of yellow in the heat of the summer. 
Sometimes the weeds get a bit out of control, too.  But just about the time we start worrying about them, another volunteer seems to call and ask to help.

​I’m Reading Your Mind
You’ve made it this far into my blog about our amazing green thumb volunteers, and you’re starting to think you’d like to join the team, too.  Maybe.
But I think I know what you’re thinking.  What’s in it for me?
Check out that full article I referenced above.  There are numerous benefits to your health and body to working outside.  https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/60632/11-scientific-reasons-why-being-nature-relaxing
Not to mention the mental benefits of volunteering, which are also well documented.  You’ll basically be a superhero…healthy, happy, and worthy of big-time bragging rights.
We’re looking forward to hearing from you!
 

A huge thank you goes out to all of the volunteers who helped with fall clean up and house renovations! We sincerely appreciate the hard work our community pours into the homes and yards, making it possible for us to always provide medical lodging and amenities for FREE at Hunter Hospitality House!

In a year dominated by catastrophes and controversies, it’s nice to share some good news.
Hunter Hospitality House, Inc., a local organization providing free lodging and amenities in two locations near both hospitals in Port Huron, is growing.  We’ve acquired a ranch style home next door to their Lake Huron Medical Center location, at 1015 Vanderburgh Place, to be called Hunter Hospitality Family House.
“We’ve long talked about wanting to help those who need to stay near the hospital, and also have children,” explained Tracy Willard, the Executive Director of Hunter Hospitality House.  “Our other homes, with their bed and breakfast style accommodations, are ideal for adults.  However, this house will be perfect for a family to stay in, alone, assuring they will have the freedom to relax and attend to their children in a private setting.”
Although the house is conveniently across from Lake Huron Medical Center, HHH can also provide guests with the transportation they may need to McLaren Port Huron.
“There’s a lot of work to be done inside and outside of the Family House before we can open,” Willard said.  “We’ll need the help of roofing, flooring, construction, and landscape professionals, for sure.  It is our hope that many people will reach out to us and donate their time and talent.  We’ve had so many wonderful volunteers through the years. It’s been beautiful how our community has embraced our mission since we opened that first house in 2011, and the second in 2013.”
Hunter Hospitality House, Inc. was formed in 2011 in memory of Hunter Eldon Willard, the late son of founders Jeff and Tracy Willard.  Our mission is to provide a complimentary home away from home, steps away from the hospital, for those in need of restoration while either comforting a loved one or receiving treatment themselves. 
HHH’s goal is to open the new location on December 7 of 2021, which will be the organization’s 10th anniversary.  “That gives us over a year to work on the renovations, involving a lot of volunteers in a safe manner with COVID-19 precautions,” said Willard.  That day would also have been their son Hunter’s 30th birthday. 
If you would like to contribute your time, talent or treasure for Hunter Hospitality Family House, or the organization itself, visit our website at hunterhospitalityhouse.com, email them at hunterhospitalityhouse@gmail.com, or call them at 810-824-3679.
 

Hunter Hospitality House has acquired a third house.  It's located next to one of our current houses, across from Lake Huron Medical Center.  This home at 1015 Vanderburgh Place will become the first Hunter Hospitality Family House, which will allow a single family including children to stay close to a loved one requiring medical treatment at no cost to them.  Our goal is to open in late 2021.

See Times Herald Article HERE

​6/16/2020
​Considering a stay at Hunter Hospitality House in Port Huron during a family medical crisis?  Read on to see how they’re keeping people safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Normally providing bed-and-breakfast style lodging with numerous guests, HHH has temporarily transitioned into a rental home model.  Only one family resides in the houses at a time, eliminating any concern of shared spaces or social distancing.  During their stay, staff and volunteers have minimal to no interaction with the guests on site.  Between guests, volunteers are cleaning and sanitizing to the highest CDC requirements while wearing gloves and masks. 
Social distancing has been extended to the registration process, too.  Guests are emailed a link to fill in a Google Form, which normally would have been done in person with the manager.  “It was quick and easy, and I did it from the comfort of my own home, at my convenience,” said a guest who recently completed the process in advance of her stay.
Guests are asked to check their temperature and complete a pre-screening health assessment in advance of their stay, and every day throughout.  If a volunteer or staff member has to be onsite, masks are available and required.  Sanitizing stations are at each entryway. 
As always, Hunter Hospitality House is filled with an abundance of amenities, and all guests stay for free.  “Despite these new protocols, we are still offering what we’ve always provided:  rest for the weary and heavy hearted,” said Tracy Willard, Executive Director of HHH.  Adults with a hospitalized loved one, treatment of their own, or an early morning surgery are welcome to stay at HHH.
To make a reservation or ask questions, call the HHH Manager, Jeff Willard, at 810-990-9956.  More information is available at their website, hunterhospitalityhouse.com.

Five tables of 8 are currently available for Hope Blooms 2020, to be held on August 26.  Be sure to let us know ASAP if you'd like to attend, before those seats are gone!

While everyone's home under the pandemic quarantine, we've had some extra time to check out our own website and realized how dreadfully out of date I've kept this news tab.  No time like the present to fix that!  
So what's new at HHH?  For starters, we're temporarily closed.  When visiting restrictions at the hospitals have been lifted and the local health department advises that we're safe to reopen, our two locations will happily accept guests with hospitalized loved ones or treatment of their own. While the homes are closed, we've been doing some cleaning and painting, too.  
Also because of the Coronavirus, our annual fundraiser, Hope Blooms, has been rescheduled for August 29.  Previously purchased tickets are good for this date, and more tickets are available at our "Hope Blooms" tab here on the website.
While we realize most of our supporters will not be in a financial position to support HHH through donations at this time, we are still going forward with our Endowment Fund Awareness Raffle.  Only 300 tickets at $100 each are available, and five  incredible prizes will be awarded on August 31.  
The community's health and well being are in my prayers daily.  I can't wait to get back to meeting new guests and providing free medical lodging near both hospitals in Port Huron.
Take Care,
Tracy

A huge thanks to our Radio, Diamond and Platinum level sponsors!  Providing FREE hospital lodging in Port Huron is possible because of generous donors like you!  
Radio Level:  Lawrence Jewelers
Diamond Level:  McLaren Port Huron Medical Staff
Platinum Level:  Xtreme Powerline Construction
Thanks again!  We can't wait to see you at Hope Blooms!
​

​Wondering about Hope Blooms?  Here's some FAQs!
1.       What should I wear?
Business wear is totally appropriate, and spring colors are fun!
2.       How late can I order tickets?
Ticket orders must be received by April 12, or until we’ve sold out of seats.
3.       What if I want more than 8 people at my table?
We have a very limited amount of tables for 10.  After they're gone, we'll put large groups right next to one another.
4.       What time should I get there?
Parking fills up quickly, and you’ll want to have time to see all of the raffle items.  An optional early entry time begins at 4pm.  Buffet lines open at 5pm.  Registration closes by 5:30pm.
5.       Is handicapped parking available?
Yes.  Additional handicapped parking is added along State Street for Hope Blooms, but spaces are limited.
6.       What’s for dinner?
Vintage House Catering will be offering a buffet including:  Chicken Picatta, garlic parsley redskin potatoes, green bean amandine, garden salad, 3 chef select salads, rolls, fruit, veggies & dip, cheese & crackers, and assorted pastries. 
7.       What about dietary restrictions?
Please contact us at 810-824-3679 by April 16  to let us know of your dietary restrictions.
8.       Can I donate an item or basket for the raffle?
Yes, please!  Please contact Tracy at 810-990-9957 to discuss your idea, or to make an appointment to drop it off at HHH.  Items must be received by April 1st in order to be included in this year’s event, and may be combined with others in order to announce all winners on time. 
9.       Will I be able to use my credit card to pay for raffle tickets or 50/50 tickets?
No.  Please plan to have cash or your checkbook.
10.   Will there be an opportunity to donate to Hunter Hospitality House at the event?
Yes, there will be donation envelopes available. 
11.   Will there be cupcakes for sale again at this year’s event?
Yes!  We will notify people as soon as they're available for preorder, and you can also purchase them that night.
12.   Should I bring my ticket to the event?
Yes!  We will be collecting it at the door for door prizes.  Please be sure your name is written on the back.

More questions?  Contact us at 810-824-3679 or hunterhospitalityhouse@gmail.com!  
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