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Ronald McDonald House
Our Houses are filled with more than help, they’re filled with hope.
We believe that “home” is more than four walls and a roof over your head. That’s why every Ronald McDonald House is a haven for families with children in the hospital. It provides all the comforts of home, plus the compassion of staff, volunteers, and other families — all just steps away from the hospital.
Ronald McDonald House Programs
When the best medical treatment for a child is far from home, families don’t have worry about where to stay. At a Ronald McDonald House, families can be together, enjoy home-cooked meals and receive compassionate hospitality and support from staff and volunteers — all near the child’s hospital.
Helping families physically, economically, and emotionally along their child’s healthcare journey
A Ronald McDonald House program helps reduces stress and financial burden for families when they must travel far from home to access medical care for their child.
Research shows that patients whose families stayed at the Ronald McDonald House are the sickest, traveled the farthest distances, and spent the longest time in the hospital.
- Family proximity to the hospital provides important psychological benefits
- Parent’s get better sleep at a Ronald McDonald House
- Families who stay in a Ronald McDonald House report more positive hospital experiences and a greater ability to participate in their child’s care
“Through it all, the Ronald McDonald House helped keep our whole family balanced."
These are the heartfelt words of a mom, Liz Herrick, and they mean everything to us. Our Houses are built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child. Providing spaces for families to stay together, grow stronger and all be part of the solution for the sick child is what we are all about.
Facing the weight of illness together
Families are stronger when they are together. By staying at a Ronald McDonald House, parents can be more rested, which enables them to better communicate with their child’s medical team and keep up with complicated treatment plans when needed. They can also focus on the health of their child, rather than grocery shopping, cleaning, or cooking meals.
Ronald McDonald House services:
Comforting meals
Quality sleep
Playtime for children
In many Houses, additional resources are also available:
- Accredited education programs
- Recreational activities
- Non-clinical support services such as children’s art therapy and music programs, and gardens so families can grow vegetables and herbs food like they do at home
- Sibling support services
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Contact the social service department at the hospital where your child will receive treatment. They will place your name on the waiting list for the day that you intend to arrive. Because each child's treatment is unique, a family’s stay at the House is unpredictable. Therefore, most local RMHC Chapters are unable to confirm room reservations for your stay prior to your arrival.
In general, Ronald McDonald House programs offer rooms for families of pediatric patients 21 years old and younger. Due to the demand for rooms, some Houses accommodate families of patients up to 18 only. For most Houses, families may stay as long as their child remains in active treatment, although some Houses may establish a maximum length of stay at a Ronald McDonald House programs in order to accommodate room demand. This is determined on a local basis.
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Each House is owned and operated by a local RMHC Chapter. The Chapter is governed by a local Board of Directors who are responsible for program development and operations.
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Generous supporters like you help fund Ronald McDonald House programs. The majority of our programming funds come from individuals, organizations and businesses.
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Local McDonald's restaurant owner/operators generously fund portions of the annual operating costs of the Houses. However, the majority of the annual operating income comes from individual and other corporate donors.
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The actual cost to operate a room varies between $50 and $100 a night. Families either stay at no cost or are asked to make a donation up to $25 per day, depending on the house. However, payment is NEVER expected for those who cannot afford it. The difference is made up through donations. Thanks to your contributions, it is a global RMHC policy that a family never be turned away because of their ability to pay.
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The families of children, from birth through 21 years of age (or 18, depending on the House), who are being treated at nearby hospitals and medical facilities, are eligible. The patient is also eligible to stay with the family if he/she is being treated on an outpatient basis. Please contact the Ronald McDonald House programs in your community to find out if there are other policies or requirements.
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Stays can be as short as one night or as long as several months, and sometimes extend to a year or more, depending on the child's illness and treatment.
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You can support a House or RMHC in a number of ways, and we could not operate Ronald McDonald House programs without donations from individuals and groups. Click here to learn more about getting involved with RMHC.
More from RMHC, our families and supporters
“The meals nourished our souls in the way only food prepared with love can.”
Some Ronald McDonald House programs include a special guiding light for families.
The Marinos dreamed of a space in Chicago where parents could stay knowing their child was nearby.
“…time is the most important factor when it comes to health! That’s why preventive care is so important!”
“RMHC will always hold a place in our hearts...”
While their treatments lead both their families to the same city, RMHC led Leah and Claire to the friendship they both needed.
Supporting RMHC for 30+ years
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Announces Katie Fitzgerald as New President and CEO
Celebrating Dr. Audrey Evans and her legacy.
RMHC is committed to making family-centered spaces more sustainable for generations to come.
“Having already endured trauma during the evacuation from Afghanistan, keeping the families together was our top priority.”
“The Ronald McDonald House was extraordinary. The staff was extremely kind and it truly is a home away from home.”
These partners and their consistent steadfast support is essential to our ability to help families around the world feel at home…even when they can’t be.
“It was great to all be together when my brother was sick. When we visited him at the hospital, he was always smiling and happy to see us.”
“RMHC helps keep families together and feel supported throughout their journey.”
“Sophia and Yuri found a community of support in other families going through similar situations.”
“It was such a relief because the girls were very compromised in the beginning and it just allowed us to focus on them.”
“The smiles on their faces were priceless and motivated me to continue volunteering.”
“We are grateful to be able to count committed partners like Cargill®.”
“When Juliana was hospitalized, we could rest knowing we were just steps away from her hospital bed thanks to RMHC.”
"Thankfully, our valued partners recognize that now more than ever, the RMHC system is reliant on their support."
“Aramark’s generous donation is helping RMHC families during this challenging time.”
“Ray Kroc Heritage Society donors continue the legacy of Ray Kroc, in whose memory RMHC was founded.”
“I am honored to be entrusted with leadership of this truly superb organization.”
"I have to be here by her side."
“We found more than a roof over our head, we found our family."
“This is more than a place to sleep and eat…a place to be supported together.”
“The reason I run for Team RMHC…”
Ronald McDonald House Charities President and CEO Sheila Musolino Announces Retirement.
“The gift of being together just makes you feel like you’re going to be okay.”
“We found comfort in spending time with family and newfound friends.”
More about our core RMHC programs
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