We offer affordable housing while undergoing heart transplant treatment in Vancouver, BC.

PEACE OF MIND. SPACE TO HEAL.

MISSION

To eliminate barriers and financial stressors associated with securing local accommodation for patients in need of a heart transplant or ventricular assist device (VAD) in BC.

ABOUT US

When Ron Bayne and Peter Quinn met during their transplant journeys in 2001, they saw that for many recipients, finding an affordable place to stay during the few months of post-surgical recovery and medical follow-up was a significant challenge—and a source of financial stress. The Heart Transplant Home Society (HTHS) was born out of their commitment to address that challenge, so other heart transplant recipients can focus on what matters most: their health.

At HTHS, we offer affordable accommodation to heart transplant and ventricular assist device patients and their loved one(s) in two homes near St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. We have assisted over 240 recipients with short-term housing to date.

HTHS is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers. We rely on the financial generosity of members and donors, and 97% of every dollar raised goes towards operating our existing homes, directly supporting heart patients and their caregivers.

PILLARS

EMPATHY

All members of our Board of Directors have been directly touched by organ transplant, and many are heart transplant recipients. We know what patients are going through and we understand their challenges.

COMMUNITY

We create a support network before, during and after treatment, bringing together patients, families, communities and healthcare providers.

ADVOCACY

We support heart transplant recipients by promoting greater understanding of their needs throughout the community.

VISION

Through the operation of three or more homes, we ensure every Heart Transplant patient has easy access to safe, affordable accommodation during treatment.

VALUES

Integrity is our DNA.

Social Values

We believe in balancing four priorities of life: Health. Family. Friends. Community.

Compassion
We listen. We care.

Responsiveness
We put the patient and family first. We work to continually improve the available housing.

Authenticity
We are reliable. We are trustworthy.

Openness
We cultivate support through collaboration. We respect the diversity of individuals.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President / Elizabeth Edward

Elizabeth received her heart transplant in 2011 and initially joined the HTHS Board in 2016. After a brief hiatus, she has recently returned to the Board. She brings over 20 years of experience in post-secondary education, including student advisement, admissions, program planning, and marketing, to the Board. Since receiving her transplant, Elizabeth has been volunteering to raise awareness for organ donation and transplantation with various organizations.

Vice President / Ron MacDonnell

Ron, who has lived with a congenital heart defect all his life, was blessed to receive a heart transplant at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver on August 2, 2019. In late August of 2019 he joined the board of HTHS as a means of giving back. Ron brings his experience as a Salesman, Sales Manager and Marketing Manager for a Canadian National Hardware Distribution Company, owner of his own business, and Commercial Salesman for a Vancouver Island family-owned alarm business to the Board. He is currently retired.

Secretary /

Treasurer / Asmaa Anwar

Asmaa received her heart transplant in 2019. Based on Vancouver Island, she has first-hand experience with some of the struggles of finding accommodation while going through the transplant journey. Prior to her transplant, she worked in mineral exploration and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Asmaa enjoys helping, mentoring and advocating for others, and looks forward to helping through the HTHS.

Home Liaison Officer / Eunice Barriga

Eunice received her heart transplant in December, 2002. She has been volunteering with BC Transplant since 2007 and joined the HTHS team in 2018.

St. Paul’s Hospital Heart Transplant Clinic - HTHS Liaison /

The Heart Transplant Home Society works closely with Social Worker at the Heart Transplant Clinic to ensure patients in need are given the opportunity to stay in one of our units.

The HTHS Board welcomes new members. If you are interested in joining us, please contact us.

hths@hearttransplanthomes.com

HOW IT WORKS

If you and/or your family member or caregiver need assistance finding short-term accommodation, ask your heart transplant Social Worker about the HTHS. Alternatively, if you do not have a transplant social worker, please contact us directly at hths@hearttransplanthomes.com.

Bute Home

Located within two blocks of St. Paul’s Hospital, the Bute Home offers patients, family members and care givers peaceful accommodation in a multi-unit heritage home close to all amenities.

Thurlow Home

Located directly across the street from St. Paul's Hospital, the Thurlow Home offers patients, family members and caregivers quaint and convenient accommodation in a multi-unit heritage home close to all amenities. At the Thurlow Home, recipients can find peace and rest while they recover from their life-saving surgery.

RESOURCES

It is more important these days than ever to be your own heart health advocate. Eating the right foods, doing the right amount of exercise to keep your heart healthy will only prove beneficial for you in the future. Here are links to resources you might find useful as you go through your journey.