Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stay at a Ronald McDonald House? 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.
Who owns and operates Ronald McDonald House programs? 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.
How are Ronald McDonald Houses funded? Generous supporters like you help fund Ronald McDonald House programs. The majority of our programming funds come from individuals, organizations and businesses.
Doesn't McDonald's fund Ronald McDonald House programs? 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.
How much does it cost to stay at a Ronald McDonald House? 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.
Who is eligible to stay at a Ronald McDonald House? 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.
How long do families usually stay at a Ronald McDonald House? 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.
How can I support a Ronald McDonald House programs? 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.