Frequently asked questions

To qualify for support, families must meet the following criteria:

• Have a child diagnosed with CHD or another serious fetal condition;
• Demonstrate financial need for assistance;
• Obtain a referral from a social worker or medical professional at St. Louis Children’s Hospital; 
• Either be hospitalized at St. Louis Children’s Hospital for a minimum of 2 weeks or anticipate a prolonged hospital stay.
• Priority is given to families residing more than 25 miles away from St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Heart House is a very lean operation, run with love and intention. We have no paid staff, which means your donation goes directly to operating and maintaining our Heart Village.

Every dollar supports things like utilities, furnishings, household supplies, and ongoing upkeep of our homes, ensuring families have a welcoming space while their baby receives critical care. Your generosity truly makes a direct impact on the lives of the families we serve.

Yes! The Eleanor Grace Memorial Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so all donations are 100% tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

The typical stay at Heart House ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your baby’s medical needs. That said, we understand that every journey is different and some families have stayed with us for several months.

We do our best to accommodate each family's unique situation and will work closely with you to ensure you have a safe, comfortable place to stay for as long as you need it.

All three Heart Houses are located in The Hill neighborhood of St. Louis, just 2 miles from St. Louis Children’s Hospital. That’s roughly a 5-10 minute drive, making it easy for families to be near their baby while still having a quiet, comforting place to rest and recharge for another day!

You can sign up through our SignUpGenius link to choose a date and see a list of suggested snacks. Thank you for helping us keep the pantry stocked for our Heart House families!