The Jeffrey Vaden Chavis House
Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation believes that the love of a family is powerful medicine. The Chavis House is a comfortable home-away-from-home where patients' family members may stay at no cost. This 40 bed guest house, which includes a kitchen and laundry facilities, ensures that families can be part of the care and recovery of their loved ones. Each day, volunteers from area churches bring a meal for our guests to enjoy.
The house is named in memory of Jeff Chavis who began his firefighting career as an 18-year old volunteer for the Round Hill Fire Department in Lexington, SC. On July 12, 2001, Jeff lost his life as a result of burns he suffered in the line of duty while fighting a residential fire. The Chavis family led the effort to renovate the guest facility and continue to be active volunteers for Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation.
2011 Caring By the Numbers:
- 877 guests received free lodging
- 67% of our guests were females
- 33% of our guests were males
- 11,250 meals were served to guests by volunteers
Project Sojourner
Sojourners are defined as travelers or temporary residents and are spoken of frequently in the Bible and other areas of literature. Over the past decade, the Chavis House has been home to approximately 1,000 guests per year. The wear associated with ten years of heavy use is obvious The goal of Project Sojourner is to raise $100,000 in order to refurbish 22 semi-private guest rooms and common areas. When complete, Project Sojourner will provide a home-away-from-home sanctuary from the weariness of standing vigil with a critically ill loved one. Donate now.