Since 1983, Family House has operated under the mission of providing an affordable “home away from home” for patients and their families who travel to Pittsburgh for medical care. Most guests, patients and caregivers who travel an hour or more to Pittsburgh to receive a diagnosis or treatment, fit this description, but Family House serves many other kinds of medical sojourners.
“To Pittsburgh” From Pittsburgh
Family House’s broad mission enabled us to book over 11,500 reservations in 2025. People traveling to Pittsburgh for health care may even be, although this type of guest is infrequent, from Pittsburgh already. In 2025, three families who live within the Pittsburgh city limits made reservations at Family House to stay even closer to a hospitalized loved-one.
“Medical Care” of All Sorts
Though a high percentage of Family House’s guests are patients and caregivers who are with us for cancer- or transplant-related proceedings, for example, the phrase “medical care” in our mission statement includes a range of health-related stays. Some guests stay overnight before preventative screenings like colonoscopies, others come to visit a practitioner such as their dentist, and an additional group of guests stay at Family House as participants in clinical trials. Family House is also available to families visiting a loved one who is currently residing in a nearby nursing home, assisted living facility, or rehabilitation center.
Medical Professionals
Family House also provides rooms for healthcare professionals as availability permits. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Family House lodged traveling doctors and nurses. More recently Family House has served residency candidates and incoming fellows as well as physicians from The University of Pittsburgh’s Global Health Training Program, most of whom stay for a few weeks to a month. Sometimes weather, as was the case in February 2026, requires staff to remain close to their hospital, as do extenuating circumstances like forecasted extreme traffic for the NFL Draft in April 2026.
“Home Away from Home”
Guests must have a permanent address to book a room at Family House. Those who are looking for or transitioning to permanent residential housing will be best served elsewhere. Patients experiencing homelessness are encouraged to consult with a hospital social worker for options.
Everyone has a unique medical journey. If you don’t feel that you fit neatly into one of these categories and are still wondering if you can book a room at Family House, do not hesitate to call us at 412-647-7777.
