Ron Griswell and Linea Johnson faced a challenging journey when they traveled more than 10 hours from their home in North Carolina to Boston Children’s Hospital with their newborn son, Levi. Born prematurely, Levi was diagnosed with dangerous levels of fluid pressure in his brain. After local doctors recommended hospice care, the family sought emergency treatment at the renowned Boston facility, where physicians offered a procedure to relieve the pressure and improve Levi’s prognosis.

Following the operation, the family remained in Boston for several months to support Levi’s recovery. During this time, they struggled to secure affordable housing, a common challenge for many families who travel to Boston for specialized medical care. The high cost of living in the city, coupled with the length of treatment, often forces families to rotate through hotels or rely on credit, resulting in significant financial strain.

Boston serves as a major hub for pediatric and specialized healthcare, drawing tens of thousands of families annually from across the country. However, the demand for affordable patient accommodations frequently exceeds supply. A network of organizations in Boston currently offers over 140 low-cost or free housing options specifically reserved for patients and caregivers, but these resources are often fully occupied. The situation has been intensified by increased patient referrals to Boston hospitals, rising specialization of medical procedures, and closures of rural healthcare facilities.

In response to this growing demand, several groups have expanded their capacity to provide patient housing. Hospitality Homes, a nonprofit that connects families with host volunteers and donated apartments, reported more than a twofold increase in housing applications between 2015 and 2024. Similarly, Boston Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House New England are actively enlarging their housing programs to accommodate more families during extended treatment periods.

While progress is underway, the ongoing need for affordable, accessible lodging for out-of-town patients underscores the broader challenges faced by families navigating complex pediatric healthcare away from home.