Across the road from Community Regional Medical Center is a two-story home called Terry’s House that lodges families of patients from all over Central California.

Critically injured, burned, ill or infants in neonatal intensive care are treated at Community Regional and as of January 2011, their loved ones also have a place to stay.

Founded by Terry Richard’s family, whose mother traveled 80 miles a day to see her son when he was severally injured in a car accident at age 5, Terry’s House has served thousands of families in need of a place to wash up, eat and sleep.

“If you ever question humanity, come down to the Terry’s House and you will be reassured,” said Rebecca Salcido, relief manager at Terry’s House.

From day one Salcido has loved working at Terry’s House. Salcido said the house runs entirely on donations.

It has been open for about two years.

The students in the MCJ 158S PR writing class at Fresno State have volunteered their time to work with those staying at Terry’s house this semester.

Senior Lauren Jenkins said, “Helping at Terry’s House has inspired [us] to give back to those going through hard times.”

Jenkins planned on spending her spring break volunteering more on site.

“It’s a relief to know there are resources out there like Terry’s House if I was ever in the same situation,” Jenkins said.

One man taking advantage of Terry’s House, Antone Taylor from Lemoore, said traveling back and forth would be a real hardship on he and his mother.

Taylor has premature twins that had to be delivered at six months.

“I’ve been there every day. It’s just a short walk away,” Taylor said.

His fiancé died from a rare blood disease after having a caesarean section. The babies weighed 1 pound, 10 ounces and 1 pound, 6 ounces.

“Terry’s House has been a home away from home,” said Alesia Neely, Taylor’s mother. “I would recommend Terry’s House to anyone who needs it.”

Taylor has been staying at the house since Feb. 5. A nurse referred it to him after he spent two nights in the waiting room.

The family plans on staying at the house until the babies are healthy enough to be taken home.

Another family from Farmersville has been staying at Terry’s House for three weeks.

Maria Moran’s 16-year-old son was in a serious accident and burned badly. He has had three surgeries.

Moran said Terry’s House has been a huge blessing to her and her family.

“It’s a very good place — like one big family,” Moran said.

Salcido said the two-story house has 20 guest rooms, a kitchen, laundry room, reflection room, dining room, living room, resource room and soon to come, a children’s play room. The resource room has four computers, free Wi-Fi, printing and faxing machines which Salcido said can be very convenient for the residents.

Salcido said a normal room accommodates three guests, has a balcony or patio, television, shower and phone that dial directly to their loved one’s rooms.

“Room fees are $30 a night, but no family is turned away if they cannot afford it,” Salcido said.

The Leon S. Peters Host Program helps families in need to stay at Terry’s House.

Donations can be made online at www.communitymedical.org/make-gift/terrys-house or by calling Community Medical Foundation at 559-459-2670.