Question 1

Who is eligible to stay?

Accepted Answer

The Boston House is open to all families of pediatric patients who are being treated for cancer at Children’s Hospital Boston and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Jimmy Fund Clinic. Families of patients with life-threatening hematological diseases who are receiving bone marrow or stem cell transplants may also stay at The House. If space allows, pediatric oncology patients and their families who are being treated at other nearby hospitals are permitted to stay.   "Family" is defined as parents/guardians, siblings or essential caregivers over the age of 21 directly involved with the daily support of the patient. “Pediatric” is defined as ages birth through 21. Families must come from a minimum of 30 miles from the greater Boston area. Siblings under age 18 are eligible to stay with a parent/guardian or responsible adult, but such siblings must be supervised at all times by said adult. Patients of any age and their siblings must be supervised at all times and not be left alone at the House. There is a limit of one room per family. Each room can accommodate no more than 4 people with a maximum of two adults.

Question 2

How can I stay?

Accepted Answer

Families may refer themselves. To inquire about a room, we ask that you call us at 617.734.3333 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. A volunteer or staff member will ask you a list of questions to verify your qualifications to stay.

Question 3

How do I know if I have a room?

Accepted Answer

We operate on a night-by-night basis, and are therefore unable to make reservations more than one day in advance. You will need to call the House no earlier than 9 a.m. on the day before you expect to begin treatment. If we are full at the time that you need a room, we will try to help you find accommodations until a room here becomes available.

Question 4

Is there a cost?

Accepted Answer

The Boston House typically asks families to pay $10 per night for their stay and our policy is that no one is ever turned away due to an inability to pay. We are happy to report a change as of January 1, 2020. To help ease the financial burden on all our families, and to do "whatever it takes to get kids through cancer,” One Mission has generously given The House a grant that will cover the rent for ALL families during 2020 and 2021. We are extremely appreciative of One Mission's support!

Question 5

How do I get to and from my hospital?

Accepted Answer

Each family may park one car for free in the House’s onsite parking lot. It’s up to each family whether they want to drive to and from the hospitals, walk (the Longwood Medical Area is a 10-15 minute walk) or take a taxi (we have taxi vouchers available on a limited basis).

Question 6

What does The House offer?

Accepted Answer

Housing:  We offer 9 bedrooms in the Main House.  Rooms have either one double bed or two twins. Port-a-cribs and blow-up beds are available upon request. Each room has a private phone to receive calls and make local calls. Guests in the Main House share bathrooms and common areas including a full kitchen, laundry room, living room, dining room, playroom, playground and other indoor and outdoor space. All linens are provided. We also have 13 studio apartments designated specifically for children recovering from bone marrow and stem cell transplantation surgery, but these patients must first be approved through the Transplant Team at Dana-Farber/Children’s Hospital Cancer Center.   Food: Though families are responsible for their own food while staying at the House, we have some staples on hand, and outside groups provide dinner frequently.   Laundry Service: We offer free use of washers and dryers, including detergent.   Transportation: See above.   Entertainment: There are two television sets in the Main House (individual DVD players are available to check out on request) and a shared computer. We have several gaming systems and an extensive DVD library. There is free Wi-Fi available throughout the House.

Question 7

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Families should bring personal items such as clothing and toiletries, and all guests 18 and over must present a valid photo ID (drivers’ license, passport or state or government-issued photo ID). Our kitchen is fully stocked with utensils, etc. and detergent and dryer sheets are free in the laundry room. Hair dryers, irons, strollers and other items are available upon request.

Question 8

What is the check-in process like?

Accepted Answer

Families may check in during normal business hours between 9 am and 8:30 pm. When a family arrives at The House, the parent or guardian is asked to sign their complete registration form, given a basic tour, and presented with one room key and one key card which will allow access through the exterior door, any time day or night.

Question 9

Security

Accepted Answer

For security reasons, all exterior doors at the House are kept locked at all times. The key card is the only way to access the House after business hours. If you misplace either the key or card please let us know immediately.

Request A Room

Click here to review our

House Guidelines brochure.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Click here to review our

House Guidelines brochure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Request A Room