Hospice of Homer was started in 1985 after Jean Hatfield, a community member experienced the caring support of a hospice program in another part of the country. She decided that we needed the same level of care in the Homer area. To lay the groundwork for the program, Jean formed a committee of community members, many of whom had experienced firsthand the stress of caring for a terminally ill family member. The founders envisioned a personal, neighbor-helping-neighbor program. Today Hospice continues to live out that vision offering a coordinated program of non-medical, supportive care that encompasses the physical, psychological, social, spiritual and emotional needs of those facing life-threatening illness or the transition process of dying.
In 2000, Hospice of Homer added the Volunteer Visitor Program. This program provides services to the frail and isolated.
Hospice of Homer relies on community involvement and support. The Hospice Board of Directors oversees the management of the organization with volunteer members drawn from all parts of the community. There are one full-time and two part-time paid staff persons coordinating direct client services, public outreach efforts, training of volunteers, the medical equipment loan program, bereavement support groups, fundraising efforts and office administration. Trained volunteers provide the majority of direct care services. All services are offered free of charge.
Hospice of Homer (HOH) serves the southern Kenai Peninsula from Ninilchik south to Homer. HOH also serves Seldovia, Halibut Cove, Nanwalek and Port Graham across Kachemak Bay, which are accessible only by air or boat. We provide a full range of services to Anchor Point, Ninilchik, Homer and the surrounding area with limited services provided to areas across the Bay.
