Funded by a grant from The Home Depot Foundation for $100,000 to support construction of the new facility, the 1,400 square foot cottage will have the capacity to provide lodging, meals and a supportive environment for multiple patients and families receiving treatment in area hospitals. The Cottage will also serve families at the Marcus Autism Center, which works with children who have developmental disabilities.

"Thanks to The Home Depot's commitment, we will have an open, welcoming and affordable overnight alternative for our families who commute for treatment," said John Floyd, chief development officer of the Marcus Autism Center. "Because we treat the entire family, this facility will enhance the patient experience and provide a better basis for progress in the future."

While the Hospitality House has served more than 200,000 guests from 17 Atlanta-area hospitals since its inception in 1981, the new facility represents a unique partnership among three non-profit organizations to offer a caring environment for patients outside the walls of the medical facility.

Melissa Connor, AHHH Executive Director, welcomes (left to right)
John Floyd, Chief Development Officer, Marcus Autism Center;
CJ Bolster, Chair of the AHHH; Frank Blake, Chairman and CEO,
The Home Depot; and Bernie Marcus of the Marcus Foundation to
the groundbreaking of the Home Depot Marcus Hospitality Cottage.

The AHHH board of directors also chose wisely when plans were developed for the Cottage; it's being built with the environment in mind with EarthCraft designation. The contractor chosen for the build is Small Carpenters at Large, a local contractor who pays special attention to detail. "Danny Feig, owner of Small Carpenters, helped us renovate the 1926 historic main house in 2003," said AHHH chairman, CJ Bolster. "He helped us stretch our budget without sacrificing quality."

"The Home Depot Foundation is dedicated to building homes for families that are healthy and affordable to live in, and this commitment extends to the 'home away from home' that the Hospitality House will provide for patients and their families," said Kelly Caffarelli, president, The Home Depot Foundation. "Built to EarthCraft House specifications, the home will consume less energy and natural resources and will be a healthy, comfortable home for the families."