About ASCF
Two Organizations Have Combined for One Dedicated Mission
Two Organizations Have Combined for One Dedicated Mission
On January 1, 2025, Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Houston integrated A Shelter for Cancer Families (ASCF) into its housing network. RMHC Greater Houston will take ownership of ASCF’s 15-unit apartment building to expand services to even more families with seriously ill or injured children. Once upgrades to the property are complete, the building is slated to reopen in 2025. Read more in the press release here.
We hope you will join us as we expand our services to bring comfort and care to more families across the Greater Houston region.
Founded in 2001 by Missy Amschwand Bellinger, A Shelter for Cancer Families fulfilled her late husband, Tom’s, final wish to establish an organization to house victims of sarcoma. They later expanded to serve all families seeking cancer care in Houston. In early 2024, A Shelter for Cancer Families approached RMHC Greater Houston to explore a partnership that would combine their resources for a greater collective impact.
A Shelter for Cancer Families was seeking a partner to continue it’s mission to support as many families as possible. RMHC Greater Houston has a long and established history of keeping families close and providing essential services to families facing a medical crisis. This proven track record and extensive experience are a natural fit to continue the work of ASCF. RMHC Greater Houston is committed to upholding ASCF’s legacy of compassion and integrity. The new property name, honoring the work of A Shelter for Cancer Families and its founder, will be unveiled at the reopening.
Recognizing a shared commitment to supporting families seeking cancer care, A Shelter for Cancer Families approached RMHC Greater Houston in 2024 to explore a partnership that would combine their resources for a greater impact. We are deeply honored that ASCF has entrusted RMHC Greater Houston to continue their invaluable work of serving families in ther greatest time of need.
With the addition of the 15-unit apartment building located only ten minutes away from the Texas Medical Center, RMHC Greater Houston will now be able to provide housing to larger families (more than four people), families needing a space to transition to their own home, and families with social distancing requirements due to compromised immune systems.
Families can expect to continue receiving the same high-quality care and support they’ve come to rely on from RMHC Greater Houston. This expansion will allow RMHC Greater Houston to expand their services and support even more families with children being treated in the Texas Medical Center.
We serve families from the Greater Houston area, as well as those from across the state, region, nation and world. All of our young patients are here to receive critical medical treatment in the Texas Medical Center.
Families inquiring about adult services will be provided with information about alternative organizations and resources that best meet their needs.
The new property will offer fully-furnished one and two-bedroom apartments conveniently located near the Texas Medical Center. Every apartment unit will include a private kitchen, a gathering space and a washer & dryer. Families staying at the new property will have access to the same services provided at Holcombe House, including shuttle transportation, social services, as well as family activities and events.
We are committed to continuing to ensure a seamless transition for staff, volunteers and the families served. Construction to improve the facility has already begun and reopening is scheduled for 2025.
To support the new property, consider making a donation through our website, exploring volunteer opportunities, or following us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube and sharing the news on social media. Your financial contribution directly aids our expanded capacity to assist more families. Your time, engagement, and support are invaluable in ensuring the success of the new property.
We believe families are stronger when they battle a medical crisis together. With your help we can keep family members close to each other, and steps from their child’s medical treatment.
