FAQs

What is the The Rathbun Center?

The Rathbun Center, a hospital hospitality house, is a non-profit corporation providing lodging and a supportive environment in a home-like environment for patients and their families coming to Asheville for medical treatment.

How much does it cost to stay?

There is no charge to guests to stay, but donations are welcomed to continue the operation of the Center. A refundable $20 deposit  for cleaning/key is requested at check in payable by cash or credit card imprint.

How do I 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 no more than 2 days in advance of need and placed on our waiting list. A request does not guarantee a room. 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.-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.  Guests may be allowed to stay up to 21 days. Guests must then check out to allow others to share the house. Please consult our House Director for room rental options exceeding the 21 day stay.
  

 

What are my responsibilities as a guest?

The Lewis Rathbun Center is a warm, safe, inviting house SHARED by 36+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 gazebo in driveway circle above 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.

 

How many bedrooms do you have?

36 bedrooms, each with 2 single beds, private bath and up to 2 rollaway beds available  for some rooms.

How many people can stay in a room?

We allow 4 people (no matter the age) to a room and one room per patient family.

Can children stay?

Children of any age may stay. They are included in the maximum 4 people per room and must be supervised at all times. Two play spaces (indoor and outdoor) are available. A new Children's Wing opened in 2012 providing additional lodging rooms, playroom and outdoor playground to accommodate families with children.

Do you supply linens/towels?

At check-in, guests are given a supply of linens to make up their beds and towels are also provided.

Do you have a shuttle service?

Mission Hospitals and CarePartners Security Staff provide a shuttle service at no charge to/from their hospitals on a set schedule. Children cannot be accommodated on the shuttle.

Do you have laundry facilities?

Four laundry rooms with washer, dryer and iron available at no charge.

Do you have an elevator?

Yes

Is Internet access available?

A computer is located in the dining room for 24 hour access and a wireless connection is available in the dining room and library for personal  use.

Do you have telephones in bedrooms?

A telephone is in each bedroom with voice mail to receive messages. Local calls made be made at no charge; long distance will require calling card or by calling collect. Cell phones may be used throughout the house.

Do you have TVs in the room?

Televisions are not located in the bedrooms, but are in the lounges on each floor and in the dining room along with DVD players.

Can I smoke?

We have a very strict NO SMOKING  policy in the Center, but there is a smoking area located outside.

Who founded The Rathbun Center?

Adelaide Daniels Key. Read more about our history.

How long has the The Rathbun Center been open?

We opened our doors to guests in 1994.

Who is Lewis Rathbun?

Dr. Rathbun is a retired Asheville physician. He pioneered the idea that people with serious illnesses can help themselves and each other to live with hope, dignity and joy. The Center is named in his honor.

Where does your support come from?

We operate completely on donations which are welcomed from guests and friends of the Center. Donations are accepted by check, cash or credit cards (MasterCard or VISA, Discover).

Who are your major contributors?

Mission Health System, CarePartners Rehabilitation Hospital, churches, civic groups, individual donors