WCHS Celebrates Opening of New Staff Quarters with House Blessing

Winnebago, NE –  On May 16, the Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System (WCHS) officially opened its newly built and furnished staff quarters with a house blessing ceremony that welcomed community stakeholders, WCHS team members, and tribal leaders. The event served as a moment of reflection and celebration as WCHS continues to enhance the infrastructure that supports its mission of high-quality, accessible healthcare. 

The new duplex, located in the Ho-Chunk Village 2.0 development, was thoughtfully designed to provide temporary housing for new WCHS healthcare providers relocating to the area as well as students/residents fulfilling their educational requirements. Attendees at the blessing ceremony were invited to tour the units, share in prayer, and enjoy light refreshments as WCHS leadership highlighted the importance of the project. 

“This housing represents more than just shelter, it represents stability, respect, and readiness to serve,” said David Edwards, CEO of WCHS. “We want our providers to feel welcomed and supported from the moment they arrive. These homes help make that possible.” 

The staff quarters consist of two fully equipped living spaces. One unit offers 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a single-stall garage, while the other includes 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a two-stall garage. Both homes feature modern kitchens, in-unit laundry, new appliances, and both front and back outdoor living areas. The units are now furnished and will be used as flexible housing to meet staffing and operational needs. 

This project was made possible through funding from the Indian Health Service and was constructed by BluStone Homes, a subsidiary of Ho-Chunk Capital. It addresses a challenge WCHS has faced for years: the need for short-term, quality housing for healthcare professionals, especially as recruitment efforts expand and round-the-clock service demands continue to grow. 

Since 2018, when the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska assumed operation of the local hospital, WCHS has made strategic investments in healthcare delivery and workforce support. The addition of staff housing is the latest step in creating a more sustainable and responsive healthcare system for the Winnebago community. 

With the homes now open and blessed, WCHS is better positioned to provide continuity of care, attract skilled professionals, and offer a smooth transition for staff who are new to the area.