New Expanded, Reimagined Free American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Baltimore Opens for Guests

A cancer survivor is broadly defined as anyone diagnosed with cancer from the moment of diagnosis through their life, according to the National Cancer Institute. The new American Cancer Society Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Hope Lodge Baltimore has opened and is receiving guests – both cancer patients in treatment and their caregivers. This state-of-the-art, custom-designed community serves as a home-away-from-home for cancer patients travelling long distance to Baltimore for treatment at the area’s world-class cancer facilities. It is located at 635 West Lexington Street, directly across from the former Hope Lodge, built in 1987.

The new 34-guest room Hope Lodge was made possible by a successful $10 million Hope Lodge Baltimore Capital Campaign. It offers 30% more guest capacity than the former 28-guest room Hope Lodge, which often had a guest waiting list.

Designed by JP2 Architects and constructed by Harkins Builders following the WELL Building Standard that features healthy materials and a special clean air system, the new Hope Lodge includes a spacious eat-in kitchen with multiple pods, multiple lounges, quiet rooms, fitness center, meditation room, large outdoor courtyard with gardens, and energy efficient windows and doors donated by Renewal by Andersen. The University of Maryland leases the Hope Lodge location at 635 West Lexington Street, Baltimore on their campus to the American Cancer Society for $1 a year.

Hope Lodge Baltimore is one of 31 free American Cancer Society Hope Lodge communities across the U.S. and in Puerto Rico. During 2025, Hope Lodge Baltimore provided close to 12,000 free night stays to 531 guests, saving them a total of $1.54 million in lodging costs. Guests came from 31 states and two countries. To inquire about guest lodging, contact therese.gustitis@cancer.org.

Collectively since 1984, Hope Lodge communities have provided more than 6 million nights of lodging saving guests over $76.3 million, offering a supportive environment as well as relief from the financial burden of cancer. A paper in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science cited that nearly 38% of the U.S. population over age 35 would have to drive over 50 miles for care at an NCI-designated cancer center, and almost 17% would have to travel 100 miles or more.

Hope Lodge Baltimore welcome volunteers, supplies, and donations. Volunteers often host guest dinners, relieving the stress on cancer patients and caregivers after a long day of treatment. See: www.cancer.org/hopelodgebaltimoregive.

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AboutTheAmericanCancerSociety-Maryland

The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Formore than 110 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancerandtheirfamiliesasthe only organizationcombatingcancerthroughadvocacy, research, and patientsupport.Wearecommittedtoensuringeveryonehasanopportunitytoprevent,detect,treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org/Marylandor call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227- 2345. Connect with us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.