Ceremonial ribbon cut on Teresa Adams House; first guests will be welcomed in January

QUINCY — The money has been raised and construction completed, and the ceremonial ribbon was cut on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

The Teresa Adams House in Quincy soon will welcome its first guests, offering discounted daytime and overnight accommodations for patients and their families seeking healthcare in the Quincy area from any provider.

The house is at 630 N. 11^th, just north of the SIU Medicine Center for Family Medicine and across the street from the Blessing Hospital Moorman Pavilion. It replaces the 70-year-old Quincy Hospitality House, which welcomed more than 14,000 guests from across the United States and internationally since it opened in 1998.

“The little house on Oak Street served the needs of patients and their loved ones well for 25 years. Now we look to a bright new future,” said Becky Albert, coordinator, Teresa Adams House. “Having this beautiful facility is wonderful. It is much more easily accessible and family friendly. I’m excited for the next 25 years.”

The new structure is named in memory of Teresa Adams, well known in the Quincy area for her exceptional hospitality and warm and welcoming personality. Adams lost a 12-year battle with cancer in 2019. She understood the importance of “home” and “comfort” in the process of receiving healthcare.

“It has been 725 days since we gave our blessing to use Teresa’s name as the namesake for the new and needed hospitality house,” Teresa’s husband Kent Adams said. “Since that time, a phenomenal series of events has occurred. Planning of sorts took place, donations were collected and crafts people came together. Now this state-of-the-art facility is up and ready to receive people in need — all in less than two years.”

Compared to the two-story Quincy Hospitality House, the Teresa Adams House is ADA compliant with significantly more space. It has eight bedrooms with private baths, gathering and conference spaces, laundry facilities and a snack area — all on one level.

“The Teresa Adams House is a wonderful testament to the legacy of its namesake and her family,” said Brad Billings, Teresa Adams House building committee chairperson. “The facility was designed and built to reflect Teresa’s extraordinary charm and character. Our future guests will find it welcoming and full of hospitality.” 

Fundraising began two years ago for construction of the Teresa Adams House, with a total of $2.3 million donated by 1,126 people.

“The community support has been overwhelming,” said Amy Looten, Teresa Adams House capital campaign committee chairperson. “Most likely, local residents and businesses will never need to use the house, and yet, they stepped up to make sure patients and their families can be close to each other during times of medical crisis.

“The entire fundraising campaign was conducted during the uncertainty of COVID the past two years, too. Our community is so very generous, and we are so grateful.”

“While Teresa’s name adorns this beautiful facility, it must be known that it is in the spirit of giving that this building exists. And the name Teresa Adams is the embodiment of all the wonderful souls in this community who likewise, in their daily comings and goings, do good for others. Teresa Adams did not leave things for people after her passing. She left the love of giving in people,” Kent Adams said.

The Teresa Adams House will welcome its first guests in January after all volunteers who will facilitate guest visits are trained and acclimated to the new house. For more information on staying at the Teresa Adams House, call 217-228-3022.