Low-cost temporary apartments for cancer patients to break ground

Houston Chronicle | Jan 16, 2018

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Halo House, a unique community of 33 low-cost, temporary apartments for patients with blood cancers and their families, will break ground near the Texas Medical Center later this month, officials said on Monday.

The 42,520-square-foot complex of one- and two-bedroom furnished apartments is expected to open for patients in early 2019.

The units will rent for roughly $20 per day and be available for leases that run from two weeks to three months, said Monique Hart Capers, director of development and marketing for the Halo House Foundation. She said an option for a longer lease period is still under consideration.

The $12 million complex will offer discounted, home-like settings for those undergoing treatment for blood cancers such as lymphoma, leukemia, or myeloma.

Each year roughly 30,000 patients seek treatment at the medical center for their specific cancer diseases which can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Since it is crucial they remain close to their treatment, finding nearby lodging can become financially crippling, Capers said.

Halo House first opened in 2011 with just two apartments. More recently it has expanded to 11, with as many as 100 per day on the waiting list. The new expansion will triple the number of apartments.

In addition to the 28 one-bedroom units, there will also be four two-bedroom apartments. A small fitness center, a multi-purpose activity facility and a chapel will also be part of the expansion.

The project is being funded by donations and grants. A ground-breaking ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 30.

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