On weekdays outside of 100 Roberts Avenue in Syracuse, you might see kids busy with yard work, making way for spring flowers.

But you’d have no clue who is inside.

Shelly Iannotti is staying here at Sarah’s Guest House for an indefinite period of time. Her husband, John, is a grandfather, a lover of horse riding, and is currently at Upstate University Hospital.

“We’re at almost three weeks now tomorrow, and he’s had eight surgeries," Iannotti said. "He’s doing really good. His attitude is really good. He’s just happy to be alive."

John is being treated for burns following an accident at home. About 70 percent of his body is burned.

The accident immediately uprooted their lives. John was transported from Amsterdam to Syracuse to get the best treatment possible.

What You Need To Know

  • Sarahs' Guest House is a temporary home for people who have loved ones seeking extended medical care
  • The pay for lodging is $25 a night
  • No one is turned away if they can't pay

At Upstate, Shelly was immediately connected with a social worker who connected her with Sarah’s Guest House.

“I feel like I’m home here," Iannotti said. "I can cook, I can walk around, I’m not just in a hotel room. Everyone here is amazing. They always ask me how I’m doing, how my husband is doing. It’s a really great support system that gets through my day."

The pay for lodging is $25 a night. But it’s not a problem if a guest can’t afford it. In these COVID-19 times, guests are spaced out more than usual. They get suites, which allow for a guest to stay with them. Shelly has had one person with her every single night.

The financial strain of the pandemic was difficult to navigate when the non-profit had to cancel its largest fundraiser event. But with a little creativity, the organization hosted a virtual event that won them the Central New York Business Journal’s Best Fundraiser of 2020. Thus, they were able to stay afloat.

The love for Sarah’s Guest House is extends to dedicated volunteers.

“I didn’t even realize how important it was until I started to talk to guest and saw how emotional they got about having this place for them,” said volunteer Julie May.

Shelly remains hopeful about John’s recovery. While she waits to get back to the things they love, she’s grateful for a place to call a for right now home.

“It’s just a whole environment. I could have stayed in a hotel room, but this takes the cake. This is wonderful,” said Iannotti.