Since opening in 2001, Friendship Inn of Kansas City has served hundreds of guests annually. Our mission is to be a “home away from home” for families of patients at the University of Kansas Health System. Although not free, accommodations are affordable, and no guest is refused for inability to pay.

Friendship Inn was founded by Pam Gabel and Pam Lee, in part, to honor the memory of Chip Gabel, Pam Gabel’s husband, and Pam Lee’s parents, Joan and Jim Lee. Both women experienced traveling to hospitals far from home and having to navigate unfamiliar areas in cities where hospitality houses didn’t exist.

The need for a place like Friendship Inn became very apparent, and we’re thankful to have the opportunity to touch – and be “ornamented” with – so many wonderful people at a time of uncertainty and unease. That’s what true friendship is all about.