FAQ
Patient flow at DCI has increased substantially since 1992, as have the financial challenges many patients face when seeking affordable housing during weeks of treatment. Our 18 rooms and transplant suite are in constant use and our waitlist is consistently full* (at the end of 2022, our waitlist already had patients in need of lodging well into 2023). Expanding our facility will double our capacity, enabling us to serve an estimated 1,500 or more guests each year.
*Due to the length of our average stays (4-6 weeks), we are only able to schedule guests 3 weeks in advance. Guests who anticipate coming later in the year stay on the waitlist until they can be scheduled closer to their treatment date. At Duke long-term stays take priority when patients are referred to Caring House. Cancellations are generally filled immediately with shorter-term stays.
The new building will contain 20 handicapped accessible guest rooms and 4 new transplant suites. Our plans also include a kitchen and dining area, several indoor common areas, screened and covered porches, office space for staff and volunteers, laundry facilities, and space for special programming and services such as oncological massage and yoga. The building was designed by New City Design Group of Durham.
Outside the house, guests will be able to enjoy a walking trail and garden areas for outdoor meditation and respite. New parking is included in the plans.
We anticipate a one to three-year fundraising process and if all goes according to plan, construction will start during 2025!