In the spirit of Democratic caring, Gov. Dean notes two worthy groups.

I thought this was a nice thing to do, and I learned about a group I did not know about. We have donated to Habitat for Humanity before, but I had not heard of the Fisher House. It sounds like a great cause.

http://www.democrats.org/a/2005/12/good_causes.php

(Governor Dean just sent out an email this afternoon urging Democrats to support two good causes this holiday season, among many others, Fisher House and Habitat for Humanity -- Tim)

Over the next few days we will gather together with our families and loved ones to celebrate the holiday season. As we take the time to remember the ones we love and welcome the New Year, it is important not to forget those who have suffered and sacrificed so much in the past year.

In particular this holiday season the families of our wounded, brave service men and women and the families displaced and devastated by the Gulf Coast Hurricanes deserve our special attention.

This time of year can be especially hard for families with a service member who has been wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan. At the time when a family most wants to be together, the unfortunate reality is that many wounded service members must receive specialized medical care great distances from their families.

A foundation called Fisher House creates comfort homes, built on the grounds of major military and Veterans Administration medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to loved ones during their hospitalization. Every year Fisher House serves more than 8,500 military families.

As we send our thoughts and prayers to all our troops and their families, and express thanks for the sacrifices they make on our behalf every day, I ask that you consider supporting the Fisher House Foundation by visiting:

http://www.fisherhouse.org/contribute/onlineGiving.shtml

As the headlines disappear for those affected by the hurricanes and their aftermath, the suffering continues. Tens of thousands are still scattered across the country in temporary housing.

We need to rebuild. We must provide homes for those affected and rebuild the communities that have been torn apart. Habitat for Humanity has been instrumental in building new homes for those who lost everything this past fall.

Habitat for Humanity is the American community at its best -- people coming together to achieve a common goal for the common good. Please consider helping them continue their vital work by volunteering with your local chapter or making a contribution:

https://www.habitat.org/giving/donate.aspx?link=1

All of us at the Democratic Party wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday season.

Thank you.

Governor Howard Dean, M.D.

He is my party's leader. :patriot:

:hi:

I think he is perfect for the job and am sad that it takes him out of the running for '08.

I really appreciate Dean's words here. The needs of the thousands of hurricane victims along the Gulf Coast are still staggering. I am not familiar with Fisher House, but know Habitat for Humanity very well, and it is a movement that gets it right.

:thumbsup:

I know some of the state leaders who lost their homes, operated out of motels to organize help and aid.

http://www.fisherhouse.org/theHouses/theHouses.shtml

About the Houses
Overview
A Fisher House™ is "a home away from home" for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facility or have transportation available. There are 33 Fisher Houses™ located on 17 military installations and seven VA medical centers, and one new house, at the DeBakey VAMC, Houston, Texas is under construction. Learn more about Future Houses.

Download a map of the Fisher House™ locations (Adobe PDF)
This file is large (1.2 Mb) and make take a few moments to open.

Description
Typically, the houses are 5,000+ to 8,000 square foot homes donated by the Fisher family and Fisher House™ Foundation. Each house is designed to provide eight to 11 suites. All are professionally furnished and decorated in the tone and style of the local region. The houses can accommodate 16 to 22 family members. They feature a common kitchen, laundry facilities, spacious dining room and an inviting living room with library, and toys for children. A Fisher House™ is a temporary residence and is not a treatment facility, hospice or counseling center. The program began in 1990, and has offered more than 1-1/2 million days of lodging to more than 60,000 families.

Responsibilities
Fisher Houses™ are given to the U. S. Government as gifts. Military service secretaries and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the homes. The Fisher House™ Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code, builds new houses, and assists in the coordination of private support and encourages public support for the homes.

Eligibility and Cost
Criteria established locally by hospital or installation commanders. Cost varies by location. Average charge for lodging in 2002 was less than $10 per family per day. Ten locations offer free lodging.

Democrats do care a lot more than Republicans do.