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Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Hope Lodge in Minneapolis, MN – American Cancer Society
Minneapolis, MN Hope Lodge Exterior
Minneapolis, MN Hope Lodge Great Room
Minneapolis, MN Hope Lodge Kitchen
Minneapolis, MN Hope Lodge Dining Room
Minneapolis, MN Hope Lodge Library
Minneapolis, MN Hope Lodge Guest Room
Minneapolis, MN Hope Lodge Fitness Room
Minneapolis, MN Hope Lodge Patio
- Overview
- Staying With Us
- Support Us
Our History
The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge program provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. More than just a roof over their heads, it’s a nurturing community that helps patients access the care they need. Each Hope Lodge community offers a supportive, homelike environment where guests can share a meal, join in the evening’s activities, or unwind in their own private room. Patients staying at a Hope Lodge must be in active cancer treatment.
Established in 1970, the Charleston, SC Hope Lodge was the first facility of its kind in the country for cancer patients and caregivers. The concept came from Margot Freudenberg, a leader in the Charleston medical and business communities, who saw a similar facility while traveling through Australia and New Zealand with President Eisenhower’s People to People Ambassador Program. After her own family was touched by cancer, Margot was determined to establish the very first Hope Lodge community in Charleston. Now a nationwide program of the American Cancer Society, over 30 Hope Lodge facilities in the United States and Puerto Rico serve patients and caregivers from all over the world.
Actively involved in the Hope Lodge program until she was 105, Margot was the longest-serving American Cancer Society volunteer to date. Her attitude of gratitude, despite being forced from her home during the Nazi occupation of Germany, still inspires us today. Her legacy of grace, giving, and service live on through our wonderful Hope Lodge volunteers.
About Us
Free, Long-Term Housing for Cancer Patients
The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Minneapolis, which opened in 2007, offers 42 guest rooms located near treatment centers in the area.
Receiving the right care often means cancer patients must travel far from home for treatment. By providing housing assistance through our Hope Lodge facility, we’re able to reduce the financial strain for cancer patients and their families and increase access to the treatment they need.
In addition to providing housing help, Hope Lodge communities provide cancer resources, including special programming designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit.
Each Hope Lodge community offers:
- Supportive Environment: Providing a restful space for patients undergoing cancer treatments and their caregivers
- Proximity: Conveniently located near local cancer treatment centers
- Privacy: Private guest rooms and bathrooms for personal comfort
- Community Kitchens: Fully equipped kitchens for food storage and preparation
- Community Areas: Gathering spaces and dining rooms for guest interaction
- Note: guests are responsible for supplying and preparing their own food. However, thanks to the generosity of many local community groups, religious organizations, and friends of the Hope Lodge community, dinners are often prepared and provided during the week for guests and caregivers.
- Free Laundry: Laundry rooms with free supplies
- Outdoor Space: Areas for meditation and reflection in the fresh air
- Library: A library and resource rooms for information and leisure
- Tech: TVs and computers with WiFi access
- Volunteers: Dedicated and caring volunteers are on hand to ensure a comfortable stay. Volunteers often provide meals and/or cook for guests
- Hope Lodge Team Members: Committed staff create a nurturing and safe environment for guests and their caregivers
- Transportation: Free services to and from local cancer treatment center
Staff and Volunteers
The Hope Lodge team members are committed to providing a nurturing home away from home for our guests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Support from volunteers and local organizations is critical to the American Cancer Society’s mission of providing free lodging to cancer patients and their caregivers. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at a Hope Lodge community near you.
Amenities Included in Your Stay
Each Hope Lodge community provides the essentials needed during your stay: towels, blankets, sheets, pillows, laundry detergent, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, hair dryers, etc. You should plan to bring:
- Your food selections (you will have your own kitchen storage space, designated refrigerator/freezer space, and prep space)
- Personal products (shampoo, razors, clothing, medications, etc.)
- Your favorite comfort items from home such as pillows and books
Cancer Support Programs offered by the American Cancer Society
A multitude of cancer support programs are offered through the Hope Lodge and The American Cancer Society.
The Reach To Recovery program matches trained volunteers with those facing or living with a breast cancer diagnosis to provide personal, one-on-one support.
No one should have to face breast cancer alone. The American Cancer Society Reach To Recovery program connects people facing or living with a breast cancer diagnosis with a trained volunteer who is a breast cancer survivor. Our volunteers provide personalized, one-on-one support to help individuals cope with diagnosis, treatment, side effects, and more.
National Cancer Information Center
The National Cancer Information Center provides information and support to those facing
cancer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained, caring staff are available via phone, or live chat, providing the latest cancer information to patients, family members, and caregivers and connecting them with valuable services and resources in their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each Hope Lodge community provides the essentials needed during your stay: towels, blankets, sheets, pillows, laundry detergent, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, hair dryers, etc.
You should plan to bring:
- Your food selections (you will have your own kitchen storage space, designated refrigerator/freezer space, and prep space)
- Personal products (shampoo, razors, clothing, medications, etc.)
- Your favorite comfort items from home such as pillows and books
Check-in hours are normally noon to 8 p.m., but those details can be determined when a Hope Lodge team member speaks with you and confirms your stay.
Visitors are welcome and encouraged during your stay at the Hope Lodge facility. All visitors must sign in at the front desk, wear a visitor’s badge, and remain in designated public/visiting areas. The Hope Lodge team will speak with you about specific visiting hours and guidelines.
The patient and a caregiver may stay in the room.
Guests under the age of 18 are not allowed to stay in the facility. However, they are welcome to visit during visiting hours and should remain in designated public/visiting areas.
Yes, each guest should be accompanied by one caregiver for the duration of their stay. More than one caregiver at a time is not permitted. Guests are welcome at the Hope Lodge community but are not permitted to stay overnight.
If a patient is admitted to the hospital during their stay at the Hope Lodge facility, the guest’s room will be held for a limited time and the caregiver’s stay may be extended. The situation will be assessed and discussed with the caregiver as needed. Since our priority is providing access to care for as many outpatient guests as possible, the caregiver may need to vacate the guest room if there are other eligible patients needing the room.
Transportation may be provided by this Hope Lodge community or nearby treatment facilities. The American Cancer Society also contributes to the Road to Recovery program, which provides a free ride to cancer treatment. The Hope Lodge team will speak with you about specific options available at this location.
Guests are responsible for supplying and preparing their own food. However, thanks to the generosity of many local community groups, religious organizations, and friends of the Hope Lodge community, dinners are often prepared and provided during the week for guests and caregivers.
Each guest will be provided a designated kitchen storage area, as well as designated refrigerator/freezer spaces. While we strongly encourage all Hope Lodge guests to eat/drink only in the designated dining areas and not in guest rooms, we know that some of our guests have needs that prevent them from being able to always do that. However, at no time can food be prepared or stored anywhere except the kitchen.
All Hope Lodge guests are welcome to receive mail and packages. Packages left at the front desk for guests will be kept in a secure location.
The exception to this process is medication and medical equipment deliveries. Hope Lodge guests must accept and sign for their own medication and must arrange for medical equipment deliveries and pickups at the end of their stay.
Typically, referrals from the treatment center will provide both an estimated treatment start date and end date. If a hospital extends/changes the patient’s treatment schedule from the dates on the initial referral, the Hope Lodge team will try to accommodate the new request; however, new guests with confirmed stays or guests on a waitlist will receive priority.
Yes, there is wireless access available for guests.
No. The Hope Lodge facility provides free lodging to patients and caregivers, thanks to donations from generous individuals, organizations, and corporations to the American Cancer Society.
Daily room cleaning is not available to guests. Guests are responsible for the upkeep of their room and kitchen/dining cleanup during their stay at the facility. Cleaning supplies are provided.
Free laundry equipment and supplies are available for guests onsite at the Hope Lodge. Guests are responsible for all personal laundry, including towels and bedding (which are provided).
Support the Minneapolis, MN Hope Lodge
Your generous donations to support the Hope Lodge program allow us to continue to provide free, safe, comfortable, and convenient lodging for patients who need to travel from home to get the cancer treatment they need.
In addition to financial support, our Hope Lodge communities are always in need of basic supplies. Please contact the Hope Lodge team to discuss specific needs at this time.
Volunteering for the American Cancer Society means you have an opportunity to save lives and fulfill your own. When you volunteer at a Hope Lodge facility, you can:
- Help cancer patients and their families
- Make a meaningful difference in your community
- Have flexible options and opportunities that fit your schedule
Examples of volunteer opportunities include:
- Front desk and receptionist assistance
- Planning patient/guest activities
- Assisting with maintenance of building and landscaping
- Preparing dinner for patients/guests
- Spring cleaning activities (great for groups)
- Hosting a game night for patients/guests
- Sharing your talent with guests – playing music, singing, etc.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities at a Hope Lodge community near you.
Help us end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Support the Minneapolis, MN Hope Lodge
Your generous donations to support the Hope Lodge program allow us to continue to provide free, safe, comfortable, and convenient lodging for patients who need to travel from home to get the cancer treatment they need.
Being a Hope Lodge guest is a courtesy extended at the sole discretion of the American Cancer Society. All individuals who meet Hope Lodge eligibility requirements will be welcomed regardless of race, creed, citizenship, disability, gender, color, ethnic heritage, veteran status, economic status, or sexual orientation.
Guest Comments and Experiences
Hope Lodge is a glimmering star in the dark sky of confusion surrounding a cancer diagnosis. The value of Hope Lodge is equal to many of the high-class hotels. Nothing can replace the comfort of such places to rest and recover.
Guest from Virginia
The Hope Lodge is a loving, caring place for people in need of help, company, and companionship. I met so many wonderful people in my same situation, and that makes the time and treatments bearable. It is like coming home every day to friends.
Guest from Maryland
Hope Lodge gave me peace of mind knowing I could get the best treatment and stay close to the hospital.
Guest from Maryland
Your facility is well run by kind and caring staff. It was a Godsend to be so close to the hospital and to know that I did not have to worry about getting back to a hotel room.
Anonymous guest
The Hope Lodge was a beautiful and relaxing place to stay. It was close to the hospital so I was able to walk back and forth. The staff was very friendly and made my stay very enjoyable.
Anonymous guest