Check-in hours are normally noon to 8 p.m., but those details can be determined when a Hope Lodge team member speaks with you and confirms your stay.
American Cancer Society Russell and Ann Gerdin Hope Lodge — Iowa City, IA
Iowa City, IA Hope Lodge Exterior
Iowa City, IA Hope Lodge Reception Area
Iowa City, IA Hope Lodge Sitting Room
Iowa City, IA Hope Lodge Living Room
Iowa City, IA Hope Lodge Dining Room
Iowa City, IA Hope Lodge Guest Room
- Overview
- Staying With Us
- Support Us
Our History
The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge program provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. More than just a roof over their heads, it’s a nurturing community that helps patients access the care they need. Each Hope Lodge community offers a supportive, homelike environment where guests can share a meal, join in the evening’s activities, or unwind in their own private room. Patients staying at a Hope Lodge must be in active cancer treatment.
Established in 1970, the Charleston, SC Hope Lodge was the first facility of its kind in the country for cancer patients and caregivers. The concept came from Margot Freudenberg, a leader in the Charleston medical and business communities, who saw a similar facility while traveling through Australia and New Zealand with President Eisenhower’s People to People Ambassador Program. After her own family was touched by cancer, Margot was determined to establish the very first Hope Lodge community in Charleston. Now a nationwide program of the American Cancer Society, over 30 Hope Lodge facilities in the United States and Puerto Rico serve patients and caregivers from all over the world.
Actively involved in the Hope Lodge program until she was 105, Margot was the longest-serving American Cancer Society volunteer to date. Her attitude of gratitude, despite being forced from her home during the Nazi occupation of Germany, still inspires us today. Her legacy of grace, giving, and service live on through our wonderful Hope Lodge volunteers.
About This Hope Lodge
The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Iowa City, which opened in 2008, offers 28 guest rooms located near treatment centers in the area.
Each Hope Lodge community offers:
- A supportive environment for patients in cancer treatment and their caregivers
- Close proximity to local cancer treatment centers
- Private guest rooms and bathrooms
- Fully equipped community kitchens for food storage and preparation
- Gathering areas/great rooms and community dining rooms
- Free laundry rooms stocked with supplies
- Outdoor, reflection, or meditation spaces
- A library and/or resource rooms
- TVs and computer access
- Dedicated volunteers who help to ensure a comfortable stay for our guests and frequently cook/provide meals
- Committed team members providing a nurturing and safe environment for guests
Staff and Volunteers
The Hope Lodge team members are committed to providing a nurturing home away from home for our guests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Support from volunteers and local organizations is critical to the American Cancer Society’s mission of providing free lodging to cancer patients and their caregivers. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at a Hope Lodge community near you.
What to Bring
Each Hope Lodge community provides the essentials needed during your stay: towels, blankets, sheets, pillows, laundry detergent, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, hair dryers, etc. You should plan to bring:
- Your food selections (you will have your own kitchen storage space, designated refrigerator/freezer space, and prep space)
- Personal products (shampoo, razors, clothing, medications, etc.)
- Your favorite comfort items from home such as pillows and books
Frequently Asked Questions
Visitors are welcome and encouraged during your stay at the Hope Lodge facility. All visitors must sign in at the front desk, wear a visitor’s badge, and remain in designated public/visiting areas. The Hope Lodge team will speak with you about specific visiting hours and guidelines.
The patient and a caregiver may stay in the room.
If a patient is admitted to the hospital during their stay at the Hope Lodge facility, the guest’s room will be held for a limited time and the caregiver’s stay may be extended. The situation will be assessed and discussed with the caregiver as needed. Since our priority is providing access to care for as many outpatient guests as possible, the caregiver may need to vacate the guest room if there are other eligible patients needing the room.
Guests under the age of 18 are not allowed to stay in the facility. However, they are welcome to visit during visiting hours and should remain in designated public/visiting areas.
Transportation may be provided by this Hope Lodge community or nearby treatment facilities. The Hope Lodge team will speak with you about specific options available at this location.
Guests are responsible for supplying and preparing their own food. However, thanks to the generosity of many local community groups, religious organizations, and friends of the Hope Lodge community, dinners are often prepared and provided during the week for guests and caregivers.
Each guest will be provided a designated kitchen storage area, as well as designated refrigerator/freezer spaces. While we strongly encourage all Hope Lodge guests to eat/drink only in the designated dining areas and not in guest rooms, we know that some of our guests have needs that prevent them from being able to always do that. However, at no time can food be prepared or stored anywhere except the kitchen.
All Hope Lodge guests are welcome to receive mail and packages. Packages left at the front desk for guests will be kept in a secure location.
The exception to this process is medication and medical equipment deliveries. Hope Lodge guests must accept and sign for their own medication and must arrange for medical equipment deliveries and pickups at the end of their stay.
Typically, referrals from the treatment center will provide both an estimated treatment start date and end date. If a hospital extends/changes the patient’s treatment schedule from the dates on the initial referral, the Hope Lodge team will try to accommodate the new request; however, new guests with confirmed stays or guests on a waitlist will receive priority.
Yes, there is wireless access available for guests.
No. The Hope Lodge facility provides free lodging to patients and caregivers, thanks to donations from generous individuals, organizations, and corporations to the American Cancer Society.
Daily room cleaning is not available to guests. Guests are responsible for the upkeep of their room and kitchen/dining cleanup during their stay at the facility. Cleaning supplies are provided.
Free laundry equipment and supplies are available for guests onsite at the Hope Lodge. Guests are responsible for all personal laundry, including towels and bedding (which are provided).
Programs and Support Offered
This section offers information on a few of the support programs offered by the American Cancer Society. For specific programs available at this Hope Lodge community, contact the Hope Lodge team for more details.
The Reach To Recovery program matches trained volunteers with those facing or living with a breast cancer diagnosis to provide personal, one-on-one support.
National Cancer Information Center
The National Cancer Information Center provides information and support to those facing
cancer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained, caring staff are available via phone, or live chat, providing the latest cancer information to patients, family members, and caregivers and connecting them with valuable services and resources in their communities.
Support Us
Your generous donations to support the Hope Lodge program allow us to continue to provide free, safe, comfortable, and convenient lodging for patients who need to travel from home to get the cancer treatment they need.
In addition to financial support, our Hope Lodge communities are always in need of basic supplies. Please contact the Hope Lodge team to discuss specific needs at this time.
Volunteering for the American Cancer Society means you have an opportunity to save lives and fulfill your own. When you volunteer at a Hope Lodge facility, you can:
- Help cancer patients and their families
- Make a meaningful difference in your community
- Have flexible options and opportunities that fit your schedule
Examples of volunteer opportunities include:
- Front desk and receptionist assistance
- Planning patient/guest activities
- Assisting with maintenance of building and landscaping
- Preparing dinner for patients/guests
- Spring cleaning activities (great for groups)
- Hosting a game night for patients/guests
- Sharing your talent with guests – playing music, singing, etc.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities at a Hope Lodge community near you.
Support the Iowa City, IA Hope Lodge
Your generous donations to support the Hope Lodge program allow us to continue to provide free, safe, comfortable, and convenient lodging for patients who need to travel from home to get the cancer treatment they need.
Being a Hope Lodge guest is a courtesy extended at the sole discretion of the American Cancer Society. All individuals who meet Hope Lodge eligibility requirements will be welcomed regardless of race, creed, citizenship, disability, gender, color, ethnic heritage, veteran status, economic status, or sexual orientation.
Help us end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Guest Comments
Hope Lodge is a glimmering star in the dark sky of confusion surrounding a cancer diagnosis. The value of Hope Lodge is equal to many of the high-class hotels. Nothing can replace the comfort of such places to rest and recover.
Guest from Virginia
The Hope Lodge is a loving, caring place for people in need of help, company, and companionship. I met so many wonderful people in my same situation, and that makes the time and treatments bearable. It is like coming home every day to friends.
Guest from Maryland
Hope Lodge gave me peace of mind knowing I could get the best treatment and stay close to the hospital.
Guest from Maryland
Your facility is well run by kind and caring staff. It was a Godsend to be so close to the hospital and to know that I did not have to worry about getting back to a hotel room.
Anonymous guest
The Hope Lodge was a beautiful and relaxing place to stay. It was close to the hospital so I was able to walk back and forth. The staff was very friendly and made my stay very enjoyable.
Anonymous guest