Who We Are
Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting military and veteran families during times of medical need. Working in partnership with the Pittsburgh Fisher House, we provide the funding, programs, and volunteer support that help ensure families can stay close to their loved ones while receiving care, free of charge.
The Pittsburgh Fisher House itself is operated and maintained through federal funding administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House exists to complement that care by raising private support for meals, household comforts, family programs, and other resources that make extended stays more manageable.
Our organization is led by veterans, military families, and Pittsburgh community members who understand both the cost of service and the importance of standing with those who serve.
Together, these two organizations share a single mission: to offer a welcoming home away from home for the families of those who have served.
The Pittsburgh Fisher House itself is operated and maintained through federal funding administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House exists to complement that care by raising private support for meals, household comforts, family programs, and other resources that make extended stays more manageable.
Our organization is led by veterans, military families, and Pittsburgh community members who understand both the cost of service and the importance of standing with those who serve.
Together, these two organizations share a single mission: to offer a welcoming home away from home for the families of those who have served.
Two Organizations, One Mission
Pittsburgh Fisher HouseThe Pittsburgh Fisher House is supported through congressional funding administered by the VA, which covers the house’s basic maintenance and staffing.
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Community SupportFriends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House organizes community support and provides donated funding and volunteer service that enhances family care during their stay.
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How Fisher Houses Are Made Possible
The Pittsburgh Fisher House is made possible through a public–private partnership between the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Fisher House Foundation, and the generous financial support of the greater Pittsburgh community.
Construction funding follows a shared model in which the local community raises a required portion of the total project cost, and the Fisher House Foundation provides the remaining funding needed to complete construction.
Once construction is complete, the house is donated to and operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House provides ongoing local support, ensuring families experience comfort, stability, and care during extended medical stays.
Today, the Fisher House Foundation supports a network of more than 100 Fisher Houses worldwide, serving military and veteran families wherever they need care.
Construction funding follows a shared model in which the local community raises a required portion of the total project cost, and the Fisher House Foundation provides the remaining funding needed to complete construction.
Once construction is complete, the house is donated to and operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House provides ongoing local support, ensuring families experience comfort, stability, and care during extended medical stays.
Today, the Fisher House Foundation supports a network of more than 100 Fisher Houses worldwide, serving military and veteran families wherever they need care.
Leadership
Board Officers
Mary Ellen Austin | President
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Dayna Brown |Vice President
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Barry Cox |Treasurer
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Nick Krawec |Secretary
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Board Directors
Jim Bruder | Director
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John Corder | Director
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Andrew Krull | Director
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Joe Lodovico | Director
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Judge Mike McCarthy | Director
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Bori Minetti Smith | Director
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Directors Emeritus
Jack McMahon | Director Emeritus
Staff
Joe Milharcic | Executive Director
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Allen Howard | IT Advisor
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MJ Meenen | Fundraising Counsel
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Chet Collins | Admin Support
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Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House is governed by an independent volunteer board and operates in accordance with best practices for nonprofit oversight and financial stewardship.
In Memoriam
Charles Keith Johnston II
1949-2023
1949-2023
We remember and honor our friend Charles, whose service to Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House reflected a deep commitment to military families and to the Pittsburgh community.
During his time on the board, Charles helped strengthen the organization’s mission and extend its impact through his steady leadership, generosity, and care for others. We remain deeply grateful for his service and for the steady presence he brought to this work, which continues to shape how we serve families today.
During his time on the board, Charles helped strengthen the organization’s mission and extend its impact through his steady leadership, generosity, and care for others. We remain deeply grateful for his service and for the steady presence he brought to this work, which continues to shape how we serve families today.
Financial Transparency
Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House is committed to responsible stewardship and transparency. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we make our IRS Form 990 filings available to the public in accordance with nonprofit best practices.
Friends of the Pittsburgh Fisher House, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Tax ID: 46-088123
