As 2025 draws to a close, the Hanson House Foundation celebrates a year of meaningful community impact, strengthened programs, and successful fundraising that reinforced its mission as a “home away from home” for families facing medical crises.
The brainchild of the late Dr. Frank Ercoli, the former head of the Desert Regional Medical Center Trauma Center and Desert Trauma Surgeons, Hanson House was founded to provide affordable, supportive lodging for loved ones visiting patients receiving critical or comprehensive care. The facility was named after British industrialist Lord James Hanson, who donated $1 million in startup funding to help bring Dr. Ercoli’s vision to life. It has long been a quiet but vital resource for families in Greater Palm Springs. Its Spanish mission-style cottages and welcoming environment offer comfort, respite, and proximity to care at regional medical centers. The organization operates as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) with help from dedicated volunteers, staff, and community partners. Visitors benefit from shared kitchens, pantry supplies, dining spaces, and laundry facilities, all intended to ease financial and emotional strain while a family member is hospitalized or undergoing treatment.
The late Frank Ercoli, MD, FACS
“This year alone, Hanson House experienced a 24% increase in total room nights compared to the same period last year, primarily driven by longer stays for NICU, ICU, and Cancer Care families,” stated executive director Ivonne Moreno. “Based on average local hotel rates in the Greater Palm Springs/Coachella Valley area, Hanson House Foundation estimates that families avoided approximately $975,000 in lodging costs in 2025. This estimate reflects more than 4,100 room nights at an average rate of $42 per night, compared with prevailing hotel rates in the region.”
Celebrating the 22nd Annual Gala
One of the year’s most notable highlights was the 22nd Annual Fundraiser Gala, themed “Wings of Hope: A Glamorous Journey,” held in October at the Palm Springs Air Museum. The event drew generous supporters, sponsors, and volunteers for an evening of entertainment, dinner, and community fellowship – all aimed at raising funds to sustain Hanson House’s operations and expand its reach in the year ahead. The gala raised crucial dollars to support everyday services and long-term facility needs, while bringing the community together around the foundation’s mission.
Strengthening Community Engagement
Throughout 2025, Hanson House also hosted and participated in several community engagement activities designed to build awareness and support for its work. Seasonal events such as the Holiday Open House, Holiday Food Drive, and local fundraisers like the Sip & Shop at Daisy Blue in Indian Wells helped bring both new and long-time supporters closer to the foundation’s efforts. These events not only raised funds and in-kind donations but also fostered deeper connections between volunteers, donors, and the families served by Hanson House.
Monthly on-site activities further strengthened the sense of community within the walls of the facility. These gatherings provided emotional support, educational opportunities, and moments of joy for guests and volunteers alike, reinforcing the foundation’s belief that healing extends beyond medical treatment to shared human connection.
Mission in Action
At the heart of Hanson House’s work in 2025 was the ongoing commitment to its core mission: to provide affordable lodging and compassionate support to individuals whose loved ones are undergoing treatment for trauma, cancer, or critical illness. The foundation’s work often serves families who would otherwise struggle to afford extended hotel stays while remaining close to their hospitalized loved ones. This distinction has made Hanson House indispensable to many in the region.
The organization’s success this year was made possible by the thousands of volunteers who staff the facility with care, the financial support of donors who sustain its programs, and the partnerships with regional health networks and community groups that amplify its reach. Its inclusive approach ensures no family is turned away for an inability to pay.
Looking Ahead
As Hanson House enters 2026, its leadership has signaled plans to continue enhancing the quality of its accommodations and to expand outreach to reach even more families. The foundation’s ongoing fundraising efforts, donor partnerships, and community-centered events are expected to build on the momentum established in 2025.
For families facing some of life’s most challenging moments, Hanson House remains a sanctuary of hope, a supportive community, and a reminder that no one should face a medical crisis alone.
