Harper’s Home, a Durham-based nonprofit, is celebrating the early launch of its first two fully furnished family homes as part of an effort called the West Maynard Initiative, less than four miles from Duke Children’s Hospital.
Families are expected to start moving in by September.
Heather Hindin, executive director and founder of the Harper’s Home project (as well as a columnist for Southpoint Access), credited community partners for making the homes ready for habitation in the Northgate Park area. Specifically, she cited Pete Zseleczky of Gateway Building Company, Stacey Poston and Wendy Woods of Rocketship Restaurants and Habitable Space, and architect Ellen Cassilly.
“We are so grateful to Pete, Stacey, Wendy, and Ellen for helping make this possible,” Hindin said. “Their support reflects the heart of this mission and the kind of community care that makes a difference.”
This critical milestone offers families a safe, welcoming place to stay during pediatric medical treatment. Their proximity to the hospital means that they can reach care quickly during an emergency. Children with ports or central lines who develop a fever must get antibiotics within 60 minutes to prevent sepsis – a life-saving window known as “the golden hour.”
In 2024, Duke Children’s reported that 2,400 pediatric patients came from distances greater than 40 miles. Children stayed in the hospital for an average of 12 days. Families struggled to find nearby housing.
The two homes opened through this initiative serve as a foundation for Harper’s Home and will allow the organization to learn, gather data, and support families without delay.
Want to help?
- Donate to the project to cover rent, utilities, and household supplies.
- Shop registries at Target and Amazon to help furnish bedrooms, kitchens, and family areas.
- Learn more about the initiative at this link.
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