When travel nurse Allene (pictured right) left her home in West Palm Beach, Florida to take what turned out to be a six-month assignment in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, she had no idea she’d return with a new friend, a new passion project, and a place she’d carry in her heart forever.
After 25 years as a nurse and several years of travel assignments since the start of the pandemic, Allene had used Furnished Finder to secure housing for every single one of her contracts. When she came across a unit in a historic building near the entrance to downtown Sioux Falls, she was intrigued—but hesitant. It was part of a multi-unit building, and she’d typically stayed in private residences. That changed after her first call with the landlord, Alisha.
“I could just tell she was special,” Allene said. “And after a video tour of the place, everything about it just felt right.”
Once she arrived, the unit exceeded expectations. The space was warm and thoughtfully curated—complete with a mint green vintage fridge that Allene instantly loved. But it was the relationship with Alisha that made this stay truly unforgettable.
The Landlord Who’s Always Smiling
Alisha, a former city girl from Toronto, Canada, never expected to call Sioux Falls home. But love brought her there—and she never left. A practicing geriatrician with a deep passion for honoring history and community, Alisha came across a historic building from the early 1900s that once housed staff from a nearby maternity ward. She fell in love with its story, won a revitalization grant, and poured her heart into restoring all 21 units.
Inspired by a friend, she decided to furnish the building and list it on Furnished Finder. She intentionally opened her doors to those in service—traveling healthcare professionals, grad students, and others giving back through their work. The units are decorated with love, the hallways lined with historic newspaper clippings and photos, and the community is woven into the property—Alisha is currently working with local muralists to co-create a large public art piece with input from the neighborhood.
When Allene met Alisha, the connection was instant. “This woman is always in the building,” Allene laughed. “She’s so hands-on. And always smiling.”
Alisha felt the same. "She’s absolutely magnetic. People truly gravitate to her." It's no wonder Allene has made friends all over the country during her 3- to 6-month nursing assignments—many of whom still come to visit her in Florida.
A Friendship Rooted in Service
During her time in Sioux Falls, Allene worked at a local hospital, where she built deep connections with patients—one in particular who had undergone a thyroidectomy and whose cancer had spread. Their laughter in the face of difficulty reminded Allene of why she entered nursing in the first place.
But her service didn’t stop at the bedside. During this assignment, Allene was also preparing to open The Winslow, her own residential assisted living facility back in Port St. Lucie, Florida. When she told Alisha about her vision, Alisha—who treats elderly patients daily—was deeply moved. One night, the two went out to a jazz club downtown, where Allene shared the full story of The Winslow and how it would house six patients and allow her to offer not only care, but lasting presence.
“I’ve loved being a travel nurse,” Allene shared, “but I always found myself wondering what happened to the patients I left behind. With The Winslow, I get to be there for the long haul.”
More Than a Rental
When Allene’s contract was extended a second time, Alisha couldn’t have been more thrilled—but Allene’s sons (both grown) and husband were missing her, and her time to return home for final permitting and planning for The Winslow had come.
They both miss each other deeply, but this isn’t the end of the road. As they both agree, “It felt like we were destined to meet.” Even though Allene has only been back in Florida for three weeks, the two women have already texted several times. They’re committed to staying in touch—and they both know this connection is for life.
For Allene, Alisha’s unit felt like a second home. For Alisha, Allene was the kind of tenant who reminded her why she started hosting on Furnished Finder in the first place. When asked what she loves most about using the platform, her answer was simple: “Real connection.”
Explore Alisha’s historic property in Sioux Falls: The Cullinan Diamond - Old European (opens in new tab)
At Furnished Finder, we’re proud to be part of stories like this—where a simple stay becomes the beginning of something much bigger.
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