Cancer Institute Foundation provides programs to ease the financial, mental and emotional needs of cancer patients and their families, with the goal of enhancing the quality of their lives during challenging times. CIF also serves as an important resource for the community by offering educational forums and materials that raise public awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, diagnostics, treatments and survivorship. Housing and Transportation Program CIF began providing housing, transportation and meals for financially challenged patients in 2005. Since then, we have provided thousands of nights of free housing in local hotels and over 600,000 miles of travel assistance for patients with identified financial need. As the price of gas has risen and economic conditions have declined, the need for this program has increased dramatically. Volunteer Services A trained cadre of volunteers, many of whom are cancer survivors, is present daily to provide one-on-one support during treatment, as well as, interpreting for Spanish-speaking patients for the duration of diagnostic exams and treatments. Since 2006, CIF has provided in excess of 10,000 hours per year of trained volunteer assistance and services to patients and their families. -Grocery voucher program in partnership with several community markets. -Weekly support groups for cancer patients, caregivers, and their families