If you or a loved one is undergoing cancer treatment, you already have enough to worry about—housing shouldn’t be one of those stressors. Yet, for many cancer patients, finding stable and affordable housing during treatment is a major concern. Whether you need temporary lodging near a hospital, long-term assistance to stay in your home, or emergency shelter due to financial hardship, there are free and low-cost housing programs available to help.
Cancer is not just a medical condition—it can be a life-altering financial crisis. Treatments can last for months or even years, often requiring you to travel long distances or relocate temporarily to be near a specialized cancer center. The costs of treatment, combined with the loss of income from taking time off work, can make paying rent or a mortgage nearly impossible. In some cases, you may have already faced eviction, foreclosure, or housing insecurity due to mounting medical bills.
We want you to know that you are not alone, and there is help available. Across the United States, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and community groups offer free or deeply discounted housing for cancer patients and their caregivers. These programs provide a safe, comfortable place to stay so that you can focus on healing without the added burden of worrying about where you’ll sleep at night.
This guide will walk you through four available free housing resources for cancer patients. You’ll learn about different types of housing assistance, how to qualify, and where to apply. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear action plan to secure housing for yourself or a loved one. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath—you’ve come to the right place, and help is closer than you think.
Why Free Housing for Cancer Patients Meets a Critical Need
When facing cancer, your home should be a place of rest, security, and healing—but for many patients, the financial burden of treatment makes maintaining stable housing a struggle. Whether you’re in active treatment or recovering from surgery, having a safe and stable place to live is essential for both your physical health and emotional well-being.
The Hidden Costs of Cancer and Housing Instability
You might already be familiar with the high cost of cancer care—chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, medications, and doctor visits can quickly drain savings and max out insurance coverage. What many patients don’t anticipate, however, is that cancer affects every aspect of life, including your ability to work and maintain housing. Here’s why:
- Loss of Income: Cancer treatment often requires taking extended time off work. Whether it’s due to chemotherapy side effects, post-surgical recovery, or frequent doctor’s appointments, the inability to work means many patients lose their primary source of income. Without a paycheck, paying rent or a mortgage becomes a struggle.
- Increased Living Costs: Even if you have insurance, out-of-pocket medical costs add up quickly. Between copays, prescriptions, and travel expenses, you may find yourself choosing between paying for treatment or keeping a roof over your head.
- The Need to Relocate for Treatment: Not all hospitals offer specialized cancer care. Many patients must travel to major cancer centers that could be hundreds of miles away. The cost of hotels or short-term rentals can be overwhelming, especially for long-term treatment plans.
- Caregiver Expenses: If a family member is taking time off work to care for you, their lost income can make housing costs even more difficult to manage.
Housing instability is more common than you might think. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, up to 30% of cancer patients experience housing-related financial distress. Some face eviction or foreclosure, while others struggle to afford the cost of staying near their treatment center.
The Connection Between Stable Housing and Health Outcomes
Lack of stable housing doesn’t just create financial stress—it can directly impact your health and recovery. Studies have shown that patients with housing instability are more likely to:
- Miss treatments or medical appointments due to travel or transportation issues.
- Experience higher stress levels, anxiety, and depression, which can weaken the immune system and slow healing.
- Have worse treatment outcomes due to inconsistent care, exposure to unsanitary living conditions, or inability to follow a proper recovery plan.
On the other hand, having stable housing during cancer treatment has been linked to better survival rates, improved mental health, and greater treatment adherence. A safe, secure home environment allows you to:
- Rest and recover properly after treatments or surgery.
- Manage symptoms and side effects with access to a comfortable space.
- Follow a nutritious diet by having access to a kitchen and food storage.
- Focus on healing instead of worrying about eviction or homelessness.
This is why so many hospitals, nonprofits, and community programs work tirelessly to provide free and low-cost housing to cancer patients. They understand that a stable home is just as important as medical care when it comes to fighting cancer.
Housing Assistance for Cancer Patients: What This Guide Will Help You With
If you’re struggling with housing during cancer treatment, know that help is available. This guide will provide you with:
- Four national organizations that offer free or discounted housing for cancer patients.
- Information on eligibility requirements and how to apply.
- Tips on finding temporary lodging near cancer treatment centers.
- Resources for financial assistance to help cover rent, mortgage payments, or utilities.
No matter your situation, you are not alone—and there are compassionate organizations ready to support you. In the next section, we’ll dive into every type of free housing assistance available, so you can find the best option for your needs.
Let’s get started. 💙
Free Housing Programs for Cancer Patients: Four Trusted Resources
Finding a safe and affordable place to stay during cancer treatment can be overwhelming, but you are not alone—many organizations offer free or low-cost housing solutions for cancer patients and their families. Whether you need temporary lodging near a specialized treatment center or financial assistance to help cover short-term housing expenses, several programs are available to lighten the burden and provide a home away from home during this challenging time.
In this section, we will explore four highly respected housing assistance programs for cancer patients:
- Extended Stay Housing Program (American Cancer Society & Extended Stay America) – Provides free and discounted extended-stay hotel accommodations.
- Healthcare Hospitality Network – A nonprofit that matches cancer patients with free housing through volunteer host families.
- Joe’s House – A lodging directory that connects cancer patients with discounted hotels and apartments near treatment centers.
- Join the Flock Housing Grant – Offers direct financial assistance to help cover housing costs during cancer treatment.
Each of these programs is designed to ease the financial stress of housing insecurity, ensuring that you can focus on healing and recovery rather than worrying about where you will stay. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of each program, how it works, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
1. Extended Stay America Housing Program
What It Is:
The Extended Stay Housing Program, a partnership between the American Cancer Society and Extended Stay America, provides free and discounted long-term lodging for cancer patients who need to travel for treatment. Since its launch, this program has helped thousands of patients by offering them a comfortable and affordable place to stay during their medical journey.
Who It Helps:
This program is available to cancer patients and their caregivers who must travel more than 40 miles from home to access cancer treatment. Patients who require extended stays near a treatment center may qualify for completely free lodging at participating Extended Stay America locations.
What’s Included:
- Free nights at an Extended Stay America hotel.
- Discounts on additional nights beyond the free stay period.
- A private room with a full kitchen, allowing patients to prepare meals and save money on food expenses.
- Housekeeping services and access to hotel amenities such as laundry facilities.
How to Apply:
- Call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 to check availability and request assistance.
- A patient navigator will guide you through the application process.
- If space is available, the ACS will book your free stay.
Why It’s Helpful:
The Extended Stay Housing Program is one of the best free lodging options for cancer patients who need a longer-term stay. Having access to a full kitchen and a quiet, private space can make a significant difference in comfort and recovery while undergoing treatment.
2. Healthcare Hospitality Network
What It Is:
Healthcare Hospitality Network is a nonprofit organization that provides free temporary housing to patients and families receiving medical care in the USA. Through a network of generous host families, Healthcare Hospitality Network connects patients with a private and welcoming home environment, completely free of charge.
Who It Helps:
- Cancer patients of all ages who are traveling for treatment.
- Family members and caregivers accompanying a patient.
What’s Included:
- Free lodging in the home of a local volunteer host.
- A welcoming atmosphere that provides comfort and emotional support.
- Flexible stay durations depending on medical needs.
- Private rooms, shared kitchen access, and basic amenities.
How to Apply:
- Visit https://www.hhnetwork.org/ and use the search form to find a housing program near you.
- Provide details about your treatment schedule, location, and length of stay needed.
Why It’s Helpful:
This program is an excellent alternative to costly hotels. It provides a sense of community, emotional support, and stability for those undergoing stressful treatments far from home.
3. Joe’s House
What It Is:
Joe’s House is a nationwide lodging directory that helps cancer patients find discounted hotel stays near hospitals and cancer treatment centers. Unlike the other programs listed, Joe’s House is not a direct housing provider, but rather a database of affordable accommodations specifically for medical patients.
Who It Helps:
- Cancer patients and their families seeking discounted lodging options near treatment centers.
- Patients traveling for outpatient treatments, clinical trials, or extended hospital visits.
What’s Included:
- A searchable online database of hotels, motels, and extended-stay facilities that offer discounted medical rates.
- Partnerships with hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Wyndham, offering reduced rates to cancer patients.
- Some locations may provide kitchenettes and wheelchair-accessible rooms.
How to Apply:
- Visit joeshouse.org and enter your treatment center’s location.
- Browse affordable lodging options in the area.
- Contact the hotel directly to book using the Joe’s House medical discount.
Why It’s Helpful:
If you’re traveling for treatment and can’t find free housing, Joe’s House is a great resource for finding deeply discounted lodging. Even a small discount on hotel stays can significantly reduce the financial burden of long-term cancer treatment travel.
4. Join the Flock Housing Grant
What It Is:
The Join the Flock Housing Grant provides direct financial assistance to help cancer patients pay for rent, mortgage, or temporary lodging during treatment. This grant is designed to keep patients housed so they can focus on their health rather than worrying about eviction or homelessness.
Who It Helps:
- Cancer patients experiencing financial hardship related to housing costs.
- Patients undergoing active treatment who need help with rent, mortgage, or hotel expenses.
- Families struggling to pay for temporary lodging near a treatment center.
What’s Included:
- Direct housing grants to cover rent, mortgage, or hotel expenses.
- One-time assistance based on financial need.
- A straightforward application process.
How to Apply:
- Visit jointheflockinc.org and fill out the grant application.
- Provide proof of cancer diagnosis and financial hardship.
- If approved, funds are paid directly to the landlord, mortgage lender, or hotel.
Why It’s Helpful:
Unlike lodging programs that provide physical housing, this grant gives financial relief to cover housing costs, allowing patients to stay in their own home or afford necessary travel accommodations.
Finding the Right Housing Solution
If you or a loved one needs temporary or financial housing assistance during cancer treatment, there are options available. Whether you need a free hotel stay, a host family, discounted lodging, or financial support for rent, these programs can help ease the burden and provide stability during your treatment journey.
💙 Take Action Today:
- Call the American Cancer Society (1-800-227-2345) for free hotel stays.
- Apply to Healthcare Hospitality Network for a stay away from home.
- Use Joe’s House to find discounted hotels near your treatment center.
- Request a Join the Flock Housing Grant for financial support toward rent or mortgage payments.
Remember, help is available—you don’t have to face this alone. 💙
Housing Support for Your Cancer Journey
No one should have to worry about where they will sleep while undergoing cancer treatment. Whether you need temporary lodging near a hospital, financial support for rent or mortgage payments, or long-term housing assistance, there are national programs dedicated to helping cancer patients and their families find safe, stable housing during this challenging time.
The four programs we’ve highlighted—Extended Stay Housing Program, Healthcare Hospitality Network, Joe’s House, and Join the Flock Housing Grant—are just a few of the many life-changing resources available to cancer patients across the United States. But if you’re still looking for additional housing support, there are even more nationwide programs that can provide the help you need.
Next Steps: Get the Housing Assistance You Need Today
💙 If you or a loved one needs housing assistance right now, don’t wait. There are organizations ready to help, whether you need free lodging, financial aid, or emergency shelter.
To explore a comprehensive list of national housing programs for cancer patients and families, visit our National Transportation & Housing Assistance Directory here:
👉 Click Here for National Housing Assistance for Cancer Patients
On this page, you’ll find detailed information on nationwide housing programs, financial grants, and transportation assistance to help you stay close to the care you need—without the financial stress.
💙 You are not alone in this journey. Help is available, and we are here to guide you every step of the way. Click the link above to find the support that’s right for you!
