In the heart of Montrose, a sprawling hospice has been providing refuge to those who feel like they've fallen through the cracks. Omega House, founded by Eleanor Munger in 1986, is more than just a place for the terminally ill – it's a sanctuary where people from all walks of life can find comfort and acceptance.
As visitors walk through the doors, they're greeted with laughter and warmth from volunteers Neil and Sonny, who take turns preparing lunch alongside other staff members. The hospice's kitchen is a hub of activity, where conversations flow as freely as the food being prepared. Each Monday, the team posts pictures of their latest meals on Facebook, generating anticipation among patients and staff alike.
At Omega House, Munger's vision has become a reality – a place where everyone feels seen and cared for, regardless of their background or circumstances. The environment is deliberately designed to feel like home, complete with a living room and garden that serves as a tranquil oasis in the midst of chaos.
However, it wasn't always this way. During the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, Munger witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of isolation and stigma on those affected. She saw how hospital staff, families, and society at large would shun patients, fearing infection or contagion. The lack of understanding and empathy was heartbreaking.
Munger's response was to create a haven where people could receive holistic care, free from judgment. With the help of her church community, she secured funding for a house on Branard Street in Montrose, which would become Omega House Hospice.
Today, the hospice is a beacon of hope for those who have often been overlooked or marginalized. Volunteers and staff are trained to provide emotional support, practical care, and unconditional love – exactly what Munger envisioned decades ago. From homeless individuals to people struggling with mental health issues or substance use disorders, Omega House welcomes all.
The statistics are striking: over 1,700 patients have benefited from the hospice's services since its inception, with volunteers logging an astonishing 5,000 hours of care last year alone. It's a testament to Munger's vision and the dedication of her team that people are not only receiving care but also finding solace in this welcoming space.
In an era where healthcare systems often prioritize efficiency over empathy, Omega House stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when compassion and kindness come together. As Dr. Charlene Flash, President and CEO of Avenue 360 Health and Wellness, puts it: "What you learn when you care for people living with HIV is that it's more than the disease – it's about the person."
As visitors walk through the doors, they're greeted with laughter and warmth from volunteers Neil and Sonny, who take turns preparing lunch alongside other staff members. The hospice's kitchen is a hub of activity, where conversations flow as freely as the food being prepared. Each Monday, the team posts pictures of their latest meals on Facebook, generating anticipation among patients and staff alike.
At Omega House, Munger's vision has become a reality – a place where everyone feels seen and cared for, regardless of their background or circumstances. The environment is deliberately designed to feel like home, complete with a living room and garden that serves as a tranquil oasis in the midst of chaos.
However, it wasn't always this way. During the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, Munger witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of isolation and stigma on those affected. She saw how hospital staff, families, and society at large would shun patients, fearing infection or contagion. The lack of understanding and empathy was heartbreaking.
Munger's response was to create a haven where people could receive holistic care, free from judgment. With the help of her church community, she secured funding for a house on Branard Street in Montrose, which would become Omega House Hospice.
Today, the hospice is a beacon of hope for those who have often been overlooked or marginalized. Volunteers and staff are trained to provide emotional support, practical care, and unconditional love – exactly what Munger envisioned decades ago. From homeless individuals to people struggling with mental health issues or substance use disorders, Omega House welcomes all.
The statistics are striking: over 1,700 patients have benefited from the hospice's services since its inception, with volunteers logging an astonishing 5,000 hours of care last year alone. It's a testament to Munger's vision and the dedication of her team that people are not only receiving care but also finding solace in this welcoming space.
In an era where healthcare systems often prioritize efficiency over empathy, Omega House stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when compassion and kindness come together. As Dr. Charlene Flash, President and CEO of Avenue 360 Health and Wellness, puts it: "What you learn when you care for people living with HIV is that it's more than the disease – it's about the person."
their story is so beautiful - from seeing the devastating impact of isolation & stigma during hiv/aids epidemic to creating a sanctuary where ppl feel seen, cared for & loved . 
it just goes to show that when we prioritize empathy & kindness, amazing things happen 
omega house is a beacon of hope in our chaotic world , and we need more of it 
its like they're doing everything right, from having a kitchen where volunteers can bond over food to creating an environment that feels like home. elizabeth munger is like the angel we all need but never get 
her vision of providing holistic care without judgment has changed so many lives and i think this is exactly what our world needs more of - places like omega house that show us how to care for others with love and kindness 
. I love how Eleanor Munger created a space where everyone is accepted and loved, no matter what their situation is 
. It's like a big ol' hug for the soul 
Where's the foodie pics?! 
. It’s a reminder that sometimes all we need is someone to care for us, you know? The whole thing just feels so... human.
. I love how they're not just a hospice, but a community too. The way they involve volunteers and patients alike in meal prep and sharing their experiences on Facebook? Genius 
. It's amazing that Munger was able to create this sanctuary from scratch all those years ago when everyone else was shunning people with HIV/AIDS.
. I'm not surprised they're getting so much love - it's exactly what we need more of in our lives: kindness, empathy, and acceptance 
. Let's keep spreading that positivity!
. But seriously, it's amazing how one person can make such a difference with Eleanor Munger's vision and leadership. She must've had some crazy courage back in the day when she was dealing with the stigma around HIV/AIDS.
. I love that about it too - it's a great example of how community can be built through shared experiences and care for others. The fact that they've been able to create this space where people from all walks of life feel seen and accepted is truly inspiring.
. That living room and garden must be such a welcoming space, and I can imagine how therapeutic it must be for people who've been through so much. It's a great reminder that healthcare is not just about treating our bodies, but also our minds and spirits.
It's all about creating spaces where people feel truly seen and not just treated as patients. Munger's vision is like, totally ahead of its time, you know? 
In today's world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget that everyone has a story worth listening to.
. Creating a sanctuary from scratch for those who've been left behind? 
. I think that's what we all need more of – people who care enough to create spaces like Omega House where everyone can find comfort.
). It just goes to show that when we come together with compassion and kindness, amazing things happen. Let's give it up for Munger and her team – they're changing lives one hug at a time 
I mean, who wouldn't want to spend their days surrounded by laughter and good vibes at a hospice? Sounds like a total dream come true... said no one ever. Just kidding, Omega House is actually doing some amazing stuff here. I love that Eleanor Munger created this sanctuary as a response to the harsh realities of HIV/AIDS stigma back in the day. The fact that it's become a refuge for people from all walks of life? Absolutely incredible.
. I mean, can you imagine walking into a place where people are shunned by society and being greeted with warmth and laughter? 
.
. And the fact that Neil and Sonny are running around in the kitchen making lunch and taking selfies for Facebook is just the icing on the cake 
.