Providing a home away from home

Offering no-cost temporary housing for individuals and caregivers undergoing treatment in Houston, Texas—

a comforting refuge on the path to healing.

Our Mission

The Ballard House is dedicated to providing compassionate support to individuals and their caregivers who travel to Houston, Texas for world-renowned medical treatment. We offer a temporary, no-cost home away from home, fostering a warm and welcoming environment that prioritizes safety and community. Our commitment is upheld by the generosity of the community, as we rely on their donations to extend comfort, care, and solace during challenging times. Together, we strive to be a beacon of hope, easing the burdens of those facing medical journeys by offering a place where healing begins with a supportive and nurturing embrace.

Our Impact

Did you know it costs $2,000 a day to operate The Ballard House?
Help us reach our goal to impact 100 nights in 2025. You could fund a day for $2,000, or ten monthly donations of $200.

Click to Donate

Spotlights

Guest Spotlight

Randy and Leigh Ann Michael
"Our journey led us to the Ballard House in 2020. The cancer battle has been a long, hard road. Traveling from our home in Mississippi was a game changer. The stress of driving twelve hours, juggling appointments, navigating traffic, and finding somewhere to stay was overwhelming. But our social worker suggested the Ballard House.
Our first visit there was so emotional, and we were so grateful that the Lord led us. It’s in a beautiful residential neighborhood, with an elementary school right beside it. Dottie and her team have thought of every detail you could imagine: fresh flowers, handwritten notes from community organizations, church groups, and high schools. The coffee bar, fresh-baked goodies, and supper every night served by smiling faces are such a joy. It truly feels like home.
When you’re in a battle, being away from home is hard, but the Ballard House has been one of our greatest blessings as we face the challenges of metastatic thyroid cancer. It has lightened our load emotionally and financially. We are forever thankful for the warmth and kindness shown during the hardest season of our lives.
We count it all joy."
Volunteer Spotlight

Karen Norwood
"The Ballard House has been a big part of my life for many years. Even since the 2000's when my late husband, Bob and I were realtors at KW Premier, we loved every minute that we spent working to raise funds for Cinco Charities and The Ballard House. It was everything from food donation drives to chili cook-offs, silent auctions to pie crust classes. And we spent volunteer days at TBH during the annual Red Day of giving back for all Keller Williams.
Then last year, I was blessed to be asked to join the board of directors for this wonderful place. I am excited and pleased every day I'm privileged to come here and volunteer a bit of my time to those guests who call this house their "home away from home". That phrase might be often used, but it is never over used, because that is certainly the feeling the emanates from every suite and space in this building. The hand of God is so evident and His blessing abound day after day, week after week and month after month.
So, if you ever want to fill your cup and others, come join us, and always throw an extra case of water or a box of K-cups in your grocery basket and drop them by at any time. It's so appreciated!!!"