Check-in hours are normally noon to 8 p.m., but those details can be determined once Hope Lodge staff speak with guests to confirm their stay.
American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Carol Grotnes Belk Campus— Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC Hope Lodge Exterior
Charleston, SC Hope Lodge Exterior Sign
Charleston, SC Hope Lodge Sitting Room Interior
Charleston, SC Hope Lodge Bedroom Interior
Charleston, SC Hope Lodge Porch Exterior
- 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 and permanently reside more than 40 miles away from their cancer treatment center.
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 Carol Grotnes Belk Campus, which opened in 1970, offers 18 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 helping to ensure a comfortable stay for our guests and frequently cook/provide meals
- Committed staff members providing a nurturing and safe environment for guests
Staff and Volunteers
The Hope Lodge staff 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.
Staying With Us
Admission and Eligibility
Free lodging is provided for cancer patients and caregivers traveling far from home for outpatient medical care related to the patient’s cancer diagnosis.
All lodging requests must begin with a referral from the patient's treatment facility located near the Hope Lodge community. Potential guests should coordinate a request through their treatment facility doctor or social worker. Rooms are available on a first-referred, first-served basis.
Patients staying at a Hope Lodge must be in active cancer treatment, and permanently reside more than 40 miles or one hour away from their cancer treatment center. Each patient must be accompanied by a caregiver.
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 welcome regardless of race, creed, citizenship, disability, gender, color, ethnic heritage, veteran status, economic status, or sexual orientation.
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 stay in designated public/visiting areas. Hope Lodge staff will speak with you about specific visiting hours.
The patient and one caregiver may stay in the room. More than two people per guest room is not permitted.
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 will need to vacate the guest room if there are other eligible patients needing the room.
Children under the age of 18 are not allowed to stay in the facility. However, they are welcome to visit during visiting hours.
Transportation may be provided by this Hope Lodge community or nearby treatment facilities. Hope Lodge staff will speak with you about specific options available at this location.
Each guest has a designated kitchen storage area, as well as designated refrigerator/freezer spaces. Food must be stored, cooked, and consumed in the kitchen and dining room areas. Food and beverages, other than water, are not allowed in the guest rooms.
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.
There is a phone in each guest room, and all local calls are free. If you need to make long-distance calls, please bring a phone card or a cell phone with you.
All referrals from the treatment center must provide both an estimated treatment start date and end date. Eligible patients and caregivers may be admitted up to 24 hours prior to the initiation of treatment and must leave no more than 24 hours after treatment is completed. If a hospital extends the patient’s treatment schedule beyond the date on the initial referral, a new referral needs to be submitted at least 5 days before the initial end date. Hope Lodge staff will try to accommodate the extended request; however, new guests with confirmed stays or guests on a wait-list will receive priority.
Yes, there is wireless access available for guests.
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.
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.
Yes, and guests are responsible for all personal laundry, including towels and bedding (which are provided). Laundry supplies are also 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 staff 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 away 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 staff 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 Charleston, SC 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 away 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.
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