SECU Foundation recently announced its pledge of support for Caring House with a $3 million challenge grant for the construction of an addition that will more than double the capacity of its Durham-based hospitality home. The non-profit serves more than 700 patients, who, along with their caregivers, travel each year for life-saving treatments at Duke Cancer Institute (DCI).

Funding for the Caring House expansion builds upon the success of SECU Foundation’s flagship project that was approved nearly 20 years ago for the SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill. Since then, the Foundation has helped fund similar facilities in Winston-Salem and Wilmington in response to the overwhelming demand for hospitality house services.

“This project holds great significance for SECU Foundation, taking us back to our first brick and mortar project that has led us on a remarkable journey that continues today,” said SECU Foundation Board Chair Chris Ayers. “We are so pleased to be a part of the effort that is helping Caring House take the important next steps to expand and meet the growing demand for their much-needed services.”

“Duke Cancer Institute patients have needed more housing for years, and Caring House is excited to finally be able to expand our facility to meet that need,” said Caring House Executive Director Sasha Zarzour. “We are so grateful for SECU Foundation’s support of our Making Room to Heal Campaign for Expansion as well as their dedication to hospitality houses across North Carolina. We look forward to our future partnership with the Foundation and local SECU branches.”