About Us

Hospitality Homes supports patient-centered care in Boston, beyond the hospital.

We match out-of-town patients with volunteer host homes and donated apartments, finding patients and their caregivers a place to stay during their medical treatment.

Hospitality Homes serves patients regardless of income level, background, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, age or diagnosis. We host people from all over the country and the world, enabling them to receive the care they need – from the medical providers we are so fortunate to have here.

With a deeply rooted history in Boston for more than 35 years, we work tirelessly to improve access to medical treatment by providing a safe harbor in a time of crisis. We are proud to serve as the trusted, go-to connector, providing medical housing for patients treated by doctors, hospitals and health centers throughout the Boston area.

Our History

Founded in 1983, Hospitality Homes was the first program of its kind in the nation. But our story actually begins about 10 years earlier…

In 1973, Doris Jones traveled to Boston to get experimental cancer care for her 18-month-old baby.
When Doris was unable to afford a hotel room for weeks on end, the hospital provided a cot in an empty office building next door.

During her stay, Doris met Boston resident Sue Gracey. Sue was touched by Doris’s plight and, years later when she had space, she began opening her home to patient families. In the meantime, Joan Biggers, a local hospital leader, was also thinking about how to help people like Doris.

In 1983, Joan secured funding to begin The Hospitality Program. Along with Sue and Colin Gracey and the Rev. Jeanne Sproat, she developed a network of volunteers to house visiting family members while their loved ones were in a local hospital. In 2002, the Hospitality Program was renamed Hospitality Homes.

Durfee family, guests since 2017

Staff

DEBORAH J. PEPPER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Joined the organization after four years as a Hospitality Homes Host and still serves as a host today
Lover of the arts
20 years in strategic management, relationship building, leadership
Influenced by her own family’s volunteerism at an early age.

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DENISE V. DUCLOS

VICE PRESIDENT, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAM AND OPERATIONS

Native of Chile
Knows firsthand, as a parent, how important it is for patients and their families to stay together during prolonged hospitalizations
Mass. Conference for Women 2020 Target Storytellers Contest Winner

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JODI B. RISEBERG

DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

25 years in advertising
When her daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, she realized how incredibly lucky she was to live in Boston where the best medical treatment is available
Has run 4 Boston Marathons

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ALANA B. GRECO

MARKETING AND OUTREACH ASSISTANT

Recent Emmanuel College graduate
Began as an intern at Hospitality Homes and soon realized her passion for the organization
Loves to travel and explore new places

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HEATHER B. O’NEIL

FAMILY SERVICES COORDINATOR

20+ years as a healthcare product manager.
Three adult daughters, including twins who spent the first three months of their lives in the NICU.
Enjoys laughing with family and friends, traveling, biking, the arts, and throwing dinner parties.

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JESSICA A. MULLALLY

FAMILY SERVICES COORDINATOR

Over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry
A personal connection to our mission when a family member moved to be closer to medical care
Loves to hike with her dogs, read, and bake
Fluent in Spanish

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