How It All Began
How It All Began
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Hospitality With A Heart
We provide a peaceful, welcoming home away from home for families navigating a medical crisis in our local hospitals —giving them a place to rest, reflect, and stay close to the people they love most.
Hospitality With A Heart
We provide a peaceful, welcoming home away from home for families navigating a medical crisis in our local hospitals —giving them a place to rest, reflect, and stay close to the people they love most.
In 1997, when Jennifer Nelson survived a severe car accident, her family stayed at a Ronald McDonald House. Experiencing that sanctuary steps from a hospital bed inspired a lifelong family commitment to give back.
Nearly ten years later, tragedy struck again when 24-year-old Jacob Nelson passed away after a traffic accident. This time, there was no hospitality house nearby for families facing an unexpected crisis.
Born from gratitude and grief, Jacob’s father, Shawn, had a vision: to build a sanctuary right here in our valley. Named in honor of Jacob and his message of hope, Jacob’s House has been helping families since 2013.
Jacob's Message to Youth (2002)
Shawn & Stephanie's Journey
What Came Next...
What Came Next...
Dive deeper into the moments, milestones, and
community efforts that built Jacob's House.
Click any section below to read more.Dive deeper into the moments, milestones, and
community efforts that built Jacob's House.
Building a Dream: Shifting the Vision (2006)
Building a Dream: Shifting the Vision (2006)
Following Jacob’s passing, his father Shawn shared the family's story with 1,500 people at a local fundraiser, highlighting the immense comfort a hospitality house brings. Seeing the critical need in the Temecula/Murrieta Valley, local developers and a non-profit foundation jumped into action. While initial plans for a traditional Ronald McDonald House had to change because the area lacked a dedicated children's hospital, the blueprint was beautifully reimagined to care for families of all age groups.
A Dream Come True: Finding the Home (2012)
A Dream Come True: Finding the Home (2012)
On December 27, 2012, Jacob’s House proudly acquired a 3,800-square-foot residential home on over two acres of land in Santiago Estates—located less than a mile from the upcoming Temecula Valley Hospital. This unique timing allowed Jacob's House to open its doors in parallel with the brand-new medical center, ready to serve families from day one.
Opening Doors & Early Milestones (2013 - 2020)
Opening Doors & Early Milestones (2013 - 2020)
In June 2013, a community open house brought together over 300 neighbors and raised $60,000 to fully furnish the home. By October, the hospital and Jacob's House were both open. In December 2013, we welcomed our very first guests, the Bundsen Family. By 2020, that circle of care had expanded to support our 1,000th individual navigating a medical crisis.
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