EVERGREEN LODGE
Home Away From Home
The Evergreen Lodge provides a peaceful, supportive atmosphere in a low-cost
home away from home for cancer patients, care givers and, as space permits,
other patients from out of the area who are undergoing extensive medical
treatment at St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka. Before Evergreen Lodge opened
its doors, no facility of its type existed on the North Coast. Those undergoing
long-term cancer treatment were faced with either paying for expensive
overnight accommodations or returning home on a daily basis. For many,
especially those from outlying areas, this proved arduous and exhausting.
At the Evergreen Lodge, comfortable, home-like surroundings provide the
physical and emotional relief patients need during the period of cancer
treatment. There is even space for a caregiver - a family member or loved
one - to stay with each patient during this critical time in his or her
medical care.
The Evergreen Lodge has fourteen private living suites, a large common
living room, and a utility room with coin operated washers and dryers.
Each suite is equipped with a telephone, television, dishes and cooking
utensils, towels, bedding, and pillows. The building is surrounded by
landscaped patio gardens and three RV pads with complete hookups. The
large community room serves as a gathering place where patients are able
to meet other families who are far from home and facing similar medical
treatment.
The Evergreen Lodge is made possible through the generosity of volunteers,
employees, physicians, and many friends in our community.
A Dream
The Evergreen Lodge began with the vision of the director of the local
American Cancer Society who recognized the need for convenient, low-cost
lodging for cancer patients undergoing treatment in Humboldt County. Her
vision quickly became a reality with the help of volunteers and community
groups who donated gifts of time, materials, and money for the $800,000 project.
Members of the Rotary Club of Southwest Eureka, The American Cancer Society,
and St. Joseph Hospital, which donated the land for the Lodge, began a
fund-raising drive in 1987. College of the Redwoods students - aided by
local builders - constructed the 6,626 square foot building. Less than
three years later Evergreen Lodge opened its doors to its first patient.
With the expansion of Evergreen Lodge in 2005, the dream continued. Once
again, the Rotary Club of Southwest Eureka, the American Cancer Society,
and St. Joseph Hospital worked together to better serve the needs of the
community.
Today, the Lodge continues to meet the needs of cancer patients and their
families through the ongoing commitment and dedication of the Evergreen
Lodge volunteers and the onsite social worker.
For more information please contact:
Janette Garrison, BSW Social Worker
janette.garrison@stjoe.org
Evergreen Lodge Reception/Volunteers
707-445-8121 ext 7980