Mask clad and socially distant, Lynn and Rodney represent the new normal here at Caring House. “Our stay was terrific!” Lynn said of their week-long visit to Caring House. “We felt totally safe the entire time.” Under the careful guidance of Duke Health, Caring House is taking every precaution necessary to ensure the safety and wellness of our immunocompromised guests.

Our doors are now open at 100% capacity, along with the reopening of all community spaces under strict social distancing limitations. Below, you will find the steps we are taking to ensure the safety and well-being of the entire house.

How we are Keeping the House Safe 

At Caring House, we have always taken great pride in maintaining a healthy and safe environment for Duke Cancer Institute patients and their caregivers. Therefore, we are taking the following steps to increase this effort and reduce the risk of COVID-19 in our guests, volunteers and staff.

• We are monitoring temperatures and screening staff, volunteers and guests for symptoms of COVID-19 each day they enter the house
• We are disinfecting frequently touched surfaces throughout with EPA-registered disinfectants
• We have prohibited visitors (no one other than staff, volunteers, guests and caregivers)
• The community spaces are open under strict social distancing limitations
• Face masks are required at all times in common areas

How you can Help

• Make a Gift: We need your financial support now more than ever. Guest income makes up about 24% of our revenue. After being closed for nearly 3 months, we reopened on June 1st at 27% capacity, July 1st at 50% capacity and only now – October 2nd – at 100% capactiy. The best way you can support our community is to continue your ongoing financial support. Consider making a monthly gift of any amount – your generosity goes directly towards providing a healing environment for Duke Cancer Institute patients and their caregivers by helping us maintain financial stability.
• Donate Individually Packaged Meals: While our meal program may be temperarily on hold, you can still donate individually packaged restaurant meals to our guests!  Having restaurant-prepared meals available in the evening will help guests avoid having to go out for meals where their risk of exposure is heightened. This will also help ease the financial burden of their stay and provide the home away from home feeling that Caring House is known for. As an added bonus, you will also be providing much-needed business for local restaurants – like Chick-fil-A South Square and City Barbeque of Durham – both of whom are great supporters of Caring House!  Please email Kat Kirschner for further information and available dates at administrative_associate@caringhouse.org.