The primary beneficiaries of the House of Kin program are out-of-town patients and their family members. As well, many patients from out of town who are booked into the hospital for treatments, or surgeries, are able to stay as out-patients in our centre. Therefore, our facility helps to improve room and bed availability in the hospital, for other patients who urgently need them. When patients stay in our facility for recovery periods, they're able to be near their families and loved ones who can give them their full time assistance, care and attention to help with the recovery, diagnosis, or treatment process.
House of Kin - History and About
"The Concept" - 1982
In 1982, our president and founder, Chris Sheridan was leaving a board meeting at the Memorial Hospital, when he noticed people sleeping in their cars and in the chairs of the lobby. Upon briefly investigating the situation, he discovered that these people were there supporting a friend or a family member who were undergoing specialized medical treatment, and could not afford regular hotel rates. With the help of the local hotel/motel associations, the program's concept was developed and presented to the local Sudbury Kinsmen Club.
In 1997, after tireless efforts by the board of directors and volunteers, the foundation was able to purchase an existing motor hotel, the Grand Prix Inn, and changed the name to the House of / Maison de Kin. This name reflects the true expression of family, and people who care and support one another; a quality provided for those staying at the facility.
"The Walls" - 1997
"The Foundation" - 1983
In the fall of 1983, the program began providing hotel rooms at a substantially lower cost to qualified applicants. In the first year, the Kinsmen Club assisted 120 families, and in the second year, 280 families.
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"The Expansion" - 2009
In 2009, after the management and staff at the House of Kin conducted a survey of guests who stayed at the hotel, it was established that a few upgrades were necessary. Through several fundraising ventures, including mail outs, grant applications, room sponsorship opportunities, and more, enough money was raised to complete an addition to the building. A queen suite, a wheelchair accessible washroom, an elevator, a quiet room, a security system and an in-house guest laundry facility were all added to increase the home away from home feel of the hotel. The main focus of the House of Kin is to allow our guests to comfortably afford to stay here, while recuperating, or supporting a loved one who is recuperating. Some of our guests stay here for weeks, and some even months on end. Without the affordability of our facility, these prolonged stays could essentially drain the savings of our guests if they had to pay full hotel rate, or even worse, their loved one could have to go through this alone.
"The House of Kin" - Today
The House of Kin prides itself on being able to provide a home away from home experience, at a low cost for people coming into Sudbury to use our medical services. We provide a clean, safe, caring environment for our guests. There are security cameras inside and outside of the facility to ensure maximum safety for our guests, staff and their belongings. We have 32 rooms available to be booked, and all are cleaned daily for the duration of our guest's stay. Some of the available rooms have two (2) twin beds, some have two (2) double beds, and we even have a family room with three (3) double beds. In each of our rooms, guests will find a flat screen television with cable, and a refrigerator where guests can keep groceries to prepare their own meals.
One of the most unique features of the House of Kin is our lounge area, which was completely renovated in 2017, made possible by an anonymous donation. The lounge features a kitchen and two (2) food prep areas where guests can prepare their own meals. Each prep area is outfitted with a toaster oven, a toaster, a microwave, and there is also an electric frying pan. There are also dishes that our guests can use at their own convenience, a dishwasher, and fresh coffee made throughout the day at no charge.
There is a fridge and cupboards in the lounge containing food that has been donated by other institutions as well as by other guests, that may be used if necessary as well. The lounge also has two (2) fully stocked vending machines, a flat screen television, DVD player, fireplace, reclining chairs, reclining love seat and a rocking chair. We recently added a beautiful private dining area for our guests to enjoy a meal alone or with their loved ones This area provides guests with a place to sit and socialize with other guests who are going through similar situations and hardships. It allows them to relate their experiences and this is a known way to help with stress and emotions during difficult times.
The House of Kin is centrally located, and is within minutes of drive time to the hospital and cancer research centre. We are also within walking distance of several grocery stores, clinics, drug stores and pharmacies, Tim Horton's, and many restaurants. We even have a restaurant in the same building as the House of Kin; Tommy's Not Here is located just down the stairs at our facility.
The staff at the House of Kin are considered one of our greatest assets. It is their nature to be kind hearted, considerate, compassionate, and willing to listen to and talk with guests and their families. They are ready to help with anything the guests may need to accommodate them, even if it's just a few minutes to chat.