How to become a Guest & Guest Responsibilities

How To Become a Guest

• All Guests must live outside Buncombe County and be a relative of/caregiver for a patient in an Asheville area hospital or be an outpatient receiving daily outpatient treatments at an area medical facility. All guests must be able to care for themselves or have a caregiver staying with them
• Room REQUESTS are accepted only from hospital based chaplains, social workers or physicians' offices. Please contact one of these persons to place you on our waiting list. REQUESTS are accepted up to 48 hours in advance of need and placed on our waiting list. We are not able to RESERVE rooms in advance.
• Room requests are accepted first-come, first served and rooms are assigned daily on a space available basis to families on the waiting list.
• One room per patient family is provided and up to 4 persons (no matter the age) may stay in the room. Each room has 2 twin beds (with space for up to 2 rollaway beds) and private bath.
• There is no charge to stay, but donations are accepted. You are responsible for your own housekeeping. Meals are not provided, but a kitchen is available.
• The need for rooms often exceeds the space available. The maximum length of stay is 30 days during this hospitalization for all guests, except Mission Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU) and VA Hospital families. NICU and VA Hospital families may stay up to 2 weeks initially; then take a 2 week break., and return for another 2 weeks, if needed. NICU and VA have lodging for individuals.
• Shuttle Service - Mission Hospitals and CarePartners Hospital provide shuttle service between The Rathbun Center and hospital on a set schedule at no charge. Children cannot be accommodated on the Shuttle.

Guest's Responsibilities

• The Lewis Rathbun Center is a warm, safe, inviting house SHARED by 25+ families at a time and operated with the assistance of volunteers. Each family is responsible for their own care and housekeeping.
• A supply of linens is provided at Check In for you to use on your bed/bath. You are responsible for cleaning your room at checkout and leaving it ready for the next family. A checklist is posted in each bedroom and cleaning supplies provided.
• Please sign in/out daily and leave your room key at the front desk.
• Kitchen available for meal preparation/food storage if you wish. We do not provide meals.
• Smoking is allowed only in the designated outdoor shelter at the rear of the house or in your car. Smoking in the house/balconies will result in loss of room.
• Alcoholic beverages, weapons, illegal drugs or pets (except guide dogs) are not permitted.
• Our Front Desk is open daily 7am-10pm for room requests, check in/out.