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VA Ann Arbor Fisher House Celebrates Five Years Providing 'Home Away from Home' for Veteran Families

Fisher House at VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
Fisher House at VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System

By Chris Arbino, Deputy Director of Communications

The VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System Fisher House, Michigan’s first, reached a five-year milestone on June 1, 2025, having provided free lodging for military and veteran families while their loved ones receive medical care at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center.

Since opening on June 1, 2020, and welcoming its first guests—Mr. and Mrs. McCoy—the facility has served as a consistent support hub for families across the country and internationally.

Key figures to date:

  • More than 6,200 families from 33 states and 8 countries have been served.
  • The home has accommodated over 11,000 individuals.
  • Guests have saved more than $4.4 million in lodging costs.

The Fisher House is managed by April LaRock, who has led operations since construction first began. LaRock also serves as the Former Prisoner of War Advocate for the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System.

Over the past five years, hundreds of volunteers have contributed time and resources. They’ve prepared meals, stocked pantries, and offered day-to-day support that helps create a welcoming environment for families staying at the home during difficult times.

The formal dedication ceremony—postponed due to the pandemic—was held in September 2022. It featured remarks from Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of the Fisher House Foundation and great-nephew of founders Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher, who joined Dr. Ginny Creasman, Executive Director of VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, in cutting the ribbon. During the ceremony, Jim “Doc” McCloughan, a Vietnam War Army medic and 2017 Medal of Honor recipient, presented a plaque on behalf of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, recognizing the home’s service to veterans and their families.

The house has also received community support from:

  • Brad Keselowski, NASCAR driver, whose Checkered Flag Foundation donated more than $100,000 toward construction.
  • The Michigan Panthers Football Team, who visited with families.
  • Horace Frazier, a Vietnam veteran and guitarist, regularly stops by and performs for guests at the house.

The Fisher House at VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System and the newly opened Fisher House at the VA Detroit Healthcare System are supported by Fisher House Michigan 501 (c)(3). 

The Ann Arbor facility is one of 100 homes built by Fisher House Foundation 501(c)(3), which has assisted more than 534,000 families nationwide. Additional programs such as Hero Miles and Hotels for Heroes provide transportation and lodging resources for families in need.

The VA Ann Arbor Fisher House remains a vital part of the veteran care network, offering stability, relief, and community at times when families need it most.