Inside the Chesed Apartments: A Home Away from Home Near NYC Hospitals

Inside the Chesed Apartments: A Home Away from Home Near NYC Hospitals

When a loved one is hospitalized in Manhattan, families face an impossible choice: go home each night and miss precious time at the bedside, or pay hundreds of dollars for a hotel room while medical bills pile up. Chesed 24/7's hospital apartments for families offer a third option - fully equipped, kosher-friendly housing within walking distance of major hospitals, available free of charge to families in crisis.

The Story Behind Chesed Apartments

Chesed 24/7 understands that medical crisis housing is about more than just a place to sleep. When a family member is seriously ill, everything else falls apart. Parents cannot work. Siblings are displaced. The financial and emotional toll is overwhelming.

The chesed apartment Manhattan program was created in 2013 to remove at least one burden from families facing medical crises. Instead of worrying about where to stay or how to afford it, families can focus entirely on supporting their loved one through treatment and recovery.

In just the past six months, Chesed 24/7 has added three new apartments to meet growing demand - a testament to both the need in the community and the generosity of donors who make this family lodging near hospitals possible.

What Is a Chesed Apartment?

A chesed apartment is a fully furnished, kosher-friendly apartment located near major hospitals. These hospital apartments for families are designed to feel like a real home - not a sterile hotel room - so families can rest, cook, and maintain some sense of normalcy during an incredibly difficult time.

Unlike hospital waiting rooms or cramped hotel stays, Chesed apartments offer space to breathe. Families can gather together. Children can play. Parents can prepare familiar food. It is a small sanctuary in the middle of a medical crisis.

What's Inside a Chesed Apartment?

Every NYC hospital apartment in the Chesed 24/7 network is thoughtfully-equipped with everything a family might need:

Sleeping Accommodations

• Comfortable beds for 2 to 12 people, depending on apartment size
• Fresh linens and bedding
• Some apartments offer couples accommodations with private bathrooms
• Other apartments are separated by men’s and women’s rooms with multiple beds in each

Kitchen and Dining

• Fully equipped kosher kitchen
• Stocked pantry with basic food items - just like a hospital chesed room
• Refrigerator, stove, and two microwaves (one milchig and one fleishig)
• A full selection of paper goods
• Living room and dining room for family gatherings

Shabbos-Friendly Features

• Designated area for candle lighting
• Hot plate and other Shabbos-approved appliances
• Walking distance to hospitals for Shabbos visits
• Eruv information available for applicable areas

Professional Maintenance

Chesed 24/7 takes cleanliness seriously. A professional cleaning company services apartments on a regular schedule, and a laundry service comes twice weekly. Families arrive to a spotless space and can focus on what matters most - being present for their loved one.

Where Are Chesed Apartments Located?

Chesed 24/7's hospital apartments for families are strategically located near major medical centers:

Manhattan – Columbia Area

Multiple apartments near Columbia Presbyterian, including options for men, women, and couples. These serve families with patients at Columbia Milstein, Columbia Children's Hospital, and Columbia Allen.

Manhattan – Upper East Side

Apartments near Mount Sinai and the cluster of hospitals along the East Side, including Memorial Sloan Kettering, NY Cornell, and Hospital for Special Surgery.

New Jersey – Hackensack

The newest addition to the network, the Hackensack chesed apartment serves families with patients at Hackensack Medical Center, including the Main Building, Women & Children's Pavilion, and Theurer Pavilion. A ribbon-cutting celebration recently marked the opening of this vital resource.

Additional Locations

Chesed 24/7 also operates apartments near hospitals in the Bronx (Albert Einstein area), Queens (NYP Queens), and the Catskills (Harris Hospital). The network continues to expand as donor support allows.

Who Can Use Chesed Apartments?

The Jewish hospital lodging program serves families who need to stay close to a hospitalized loved one. This includes:

• Parents of children undergoing treatment or surgery
• Spouses supporting a partner through a medical crisis
• Adult children caring for elderly parents
• Out-of-town families traveling for specialized care
• Anyone who needs to be near a hospitalized family member

Families can stay as long as needed - whether that is a few days or several weeks. The apartments are available 24/7, not just on Shabbos. And while priority is given to Jewish families who need kosher-friendly accommodations, Chesed 24/7 helps anyone in genuine need.

How to Request a Chesed Apartment

Requesting medical crisis housing through Chesed 24/7 is straightforward:

1. Contact Chesed 24/7 – Call 845-354-3233. Explain your situation and which hospital your family member is at.

2. Provide basic information – The team will ask about your family size, expected length of stay, and any special needs.

3. Receive apartment details – Once assigned, you will receive the address and access instructions. Entry codes are provided securely.

4. Book ahead when possible – While Chesed 24/7 accommodates emergencies, booking in advance helps ensure availability, especially during busy periods.

There is no cost to families. The hospital apartments for families program is fully funded by donors who sponsor rent, furnishings, and ongoing maintenance.

Stories From Families Who Stayed

"We came from out of town for my daughter's surgery. The Chesed apartment was waiting for us - clean, stocked, and warm. It felt like someone had prepared our home away from home."

"My husband was in the hospital for three weeks. Being able to walk to his room every day, cook familiar food, and sleep in a real bed - it made an impossible situation bearable."

"I could not believe it was free. We were so worried about money on top of everything else. Chesed 24/7 took that worry away."

How Chesed Apartments Fit Into the Larger Mission

The chesed apartment Manhattan program works alongside Chesed 24/7's other services to provide comprehensive support for families facing medical crises:

Families staying in apartments can access Chesed Rooms at the hospital for snacks and supplies. They can receive Hospital Meals delivered directly to their loved one's bedside. They can use the Hospital Shuttle if they need transportation from Rockland County. And they can request Shabbos in a Box to ensure they have everything they need for Shabbos, whether at the apartment or in the hospital.

This integrated approach reflects Chesed 24/7's core promise: Every patient. Every need. Every day.

How You Can Help

Every NYC hospital apartment exists because of donor generosity. Here is how you can support the program:

Sponsor an Apartment

Rent for apartments near Manhattan hospitals is significant. Donors who sponsor monthly rent ensure these hospital apartments for families remain available year-round.

Fund Furnishings

Beds, linens, kitchen equipment, and furniture all need regular replacement. Donors can sponsor specific items or contribute to the general furnishing fund.

Support Operations

Cleaning services, laundry, pantry restocking, and maintenance all require ongoing funding. Even small donations help keep apartments running smoothly.

Ready to help? Donate Now or call 845-354-3233.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can families stay near NYC hospitals?

Chesed 24/7 operates hospital apartments for families near major Manhattan hospitals, including Columbia Presbyterian, Mount Sinai, Memorial Sloan Kettering, NY Cornell, and Hospital for Special Surgery. Additional apartments are available near Hackensack Medical Center in New Jersey and other regional hospitals. These chesed apartments provide free, fully equipped housing for families who need to stay close to hospitalized loved ones.

What is a Chesed apartment?

A Chesed apartment is a fully furnished, kosher-friendly apartment located near hospitals, provided free of charge to families facing medical crises. These hospital apartments for families include sleeping accommodations for 2-12 people, fully equipped kitchens, living and dining areas, and Shabbos-friendly features. Professional cleaning and laundry services are included.

Is there a cost for Chesed apartments?

No. Chesed apartments are provided free of charge to families in need. The program is fully funded by donors who sponsor rent, furnishings, and maintenance. No family is turned away due to inability to pay.

How long can families stay in a Chesed apartment?

Families can stay as long as needed - whether a few days or several weeks. The apartments are available 24/7, not just on Shabbos. Chesed 24/7 understands that medical situations are unpredictable and accommodates families throughout their loved one's treatment.

How do I request a Chesed apartment?

Contact Chesed 24/7 at 845-354-3233. Provide information about which hospital your family member is at, your family size, and expected length of stay. Booking in advance is recommended when possible, though emergencies are accommodated.

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