Area Patient-Assistance Group Says Need For Housing During Pope Visit is Huge
By Mark Abrams
GLADWYNE, Pa. (CBS) -- A local organization that helps families find a place to stay while a loved one is being treated in an area hospital is looking for help as the papal visit to Philadelphia nears.
Hosts for Hospitals, based in Gladwyne, maintains a network of families who offer their homes as a place for patients and family members who come from out of town for specialized care at hospitals in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Mike Aichenbaum, executive director of the 15-year-old organization, says he suddenly needs a lot more family hosts because of the upcoming visit of Pope Francis.
"We have initiated a host recruitment drive because we are expecting scores and scores of patient families in need of lodging who now won't be able to have it because all hotel rooms are booked," he explains.
Aichenbaum says the need is urgent and says he's looking for at least 50 new host families.