HFA Home Funeral Guide
About the Home Funeral Guide
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This labor of love was created by the HFA Board with the help of our community volunteers. ​
Our Home Funeral Guide is available on a pay-what-you-can basis. Any donation you can make supports our ongoing work to provide education and outreach services that help people care for others at home, after death.
Topics covered include:
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Planning a Home Funeral​
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Building Community
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Bodycare at Home
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Disposition After a Home Funeral
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Grief & Vigils
Did you know?
As of Fall 2023, the Home Funeral Guide has been downloaded or purchased in paperback over 2,000 times, spanning across twenty countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Aruba, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Lebanon, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, and Trinidad & Tobago.
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Sample some of the material featured in the HFA Guidebook here: Bodycare & Cooling.
Get Your Copy in Digital or Paperback
There are two ways to receive a copy of the Home Funerals Guide!
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Register to immediately receive a copy of the Guide available on a pay-what-you-can basis. You will receive two pdf versions -- a version formatted for digital use for a computer, tablet, or phone, and a high-quality version formatted for printing (including spiral-bound professional printing, if desired).
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(COMING SOON): Order an Amazon paperback copy of the 2026 Edition of the Guide. The HFA receives a $0.20 royalty on each Amazon copy. This option will be available in the upcoming weeks.
Corrections & Updates
Last Updated: January 2026
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The guide was updated for readability and print quality in January 2026.
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Updated language and glossary key terms.
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Clarified statements regarding natural organic reduction, donating a body to science, and working together with community deathcare groups.
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Expanded content on how to transport a body depending on circumstances at time of death.
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Corrected statement regarding fees associated with autopsies.
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Forms have been updated and reformatted in the Appendices section.
Carin M. Bonifacino
"Excellent Resource. I have many books and materials related to home funerals but this one is now top of the list. It's all here. Everything you need to know, consider, plan, and prepare for. Get a copy, read through it, and then keep it nearby. It has everything you need to carry out a beautiful, intimate, and community affirming home funeral. Thank you to all the contributors. Well done!"
Anne & Paul
We were able to peacefully care for Grandma's body following death - in large part because we had this guide. ​ We felt empowered by your guide and loved the emphasis on tapping into our community support systems. The bodycare at home section was so practical and our total favorite part! It helped us get prepared in advance with materials we might need at the time of death - from Techni Ice to dimensions for a simple homemade shroud. The tips on how to keep Grandma's mouth and eyelids closed were simple - with photos and clear instructions. So grateful for all the care and time that went into creating this awesome resource!