Since announcing the sale of the residential hospice facility and acreage on 26th Street NW, the Homestead Hospice House Board of Directors has received questions from community members about what comes next. We want to share a clear update on the purpose of the sale, how community gifts will continue to support end-of-life care, and what we hope for the future of the property.
The sale of the house and acreage is intended to help establish a new fund dedicated to supporting patients and families in our surrounding communities as they face end-of-life care needs. Rather than leaving these resources unused, the Board’s goal is to redirect them in a way that continues the organization’s mission of compassionate care without the residential hospice facility.
“The need for hospice and end-of-life care is not going away,” said Kasey Kamholz, president of the Homestead Hospice House Board of Directors. “That’s why our plans are long-term. With the proceeds from the sale and our current assets, we’ll be able to repurpose funds for end-of-life care and stay true to our original bylaws created more than 25 years ago. The all-volunteer Board believes this approach honors the intent of the people who helped build Homestead Hospice House, contributed to it, volunteered for it, and relied o it during one of life’s most difficult times.
Questions and Answers
What happens next with the sale of Homestead Hospice House and the acreage?
The Board’s immediate focus is completing the sale responsibly and then using the proceeds to create a lasting fund for end-of-life care. The goal is to move from owning and maintaining a building to investing directly in care and support for patients and families in this area. More details about the structure of the fund and how it can be accessed will be shared as that work moves forward.
How will previous donations be used?
The Board understands that past donations were given to support residential end-of-life care. The intent is to honor those gifts by using sale proceeds and existing assets, including donations, to establish a fund that helps patients and families receive needed services and support at the end of life just not in a residential hospice facility.
What are some examples of how the new fund could help?
Examples could include:
• helping cover comfort-care items for patients at home
• providing limited financial assistance for respite care
• supporting transportation or lodging needs for family members
• assisting with grief support services
• or helping fill gaps when families face urgent end-of-life expenses.
Final decisions about eligible uses will be made as the fund is established. The focus will remain on practical, compassionate support for patients and those who care for them.
Why does it feel like Steele County is being hard on taxing this nonprofit?
We understand why people are asking that question. Property tax matters involving nonprofit organizations can be complex and are governed by legal standards and county assessment processes. While many community members see Homestead Hospice House as a charitable asset created for public good, the Board has had to respond to the realities of how the property is classified and taxed. That has added to the financial pressures surrounding the property and has been one factor in the broader challenge of maintaining the facility.
Will the land and building continue to be used for healthcare?
We sincerely hope the property will continue to serve healthcare or other community-centered needs. However, once the property is sold, the Board will not control how a future owner chooses to use the land or building, subject to local requirements. Our responsibility now is to steward the organization’s resources in a way that best supports end-of-life care going forward.
If you’d like to learn more, email info@homesteadhospicehouse.org.