Ronald McDonald House Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can stay at Ronald McDonald House?
- Families, with a child 18 or younger seeking treatment at an area hospital, who have been referred to Ronald McDonald House by a social worker or nurse. Families living 35 miles or more outside of Kansas City have top priority to stay at the Ronald McDonald Houses.
- Once a family is referred to Ronald McDonald House are they guaranteed a room reservation?
- Rooms at Ronald McDonald House are not guaranteed. Once the referral is received by Ronald McDonald House, families are placed on a waiting list for the desired date of arrival. Families or their social worker must call the House before 3 p.m. on the day the family wishes to check in to confirm if a room is available. Because of our long waiting lists, if we have not heard from the family or social worker by 3 p.m., the room may be given away to the next family on the waiting list.
- What are the check-in/check-out times and guidelines?
- Families may check in or check out anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. A family must check out the day that they are dismissed from treatment by the medical staff. If the child is dismissed after 1 p.m., the family may check out the following morning. A family must check out if they do not intend to spend the night. It is required that families clean their room and check out with a staff member or volunteer before going home. Failure to comply may result in the family not being able to stay at the Houses again.
- How many people can stay at Ronald McDonald House?
- One room can be assigned per family (based on availability at time of request). Because of fire code, a maximum of six people may stay in each room. Parents are welcome to bring the patient child's siblings to the House, but day care is not provided. An adult must supervise children at all times while at the House.
- Is it possible to get more than one room?
- Due to the long waiting lists only one room per family can be assigned.
- How much does it cost to stay at Ronald McDonald House?
- Rooms at Ronald McDonald House are $10 per night. Families will be asked to pay for their first night when they check-in. Weekly reminders will be distributed to the families. If at any time a family is unable to pay the room rate, they may speak with a House Manager to make other arrangements.
- Is food available at the Ronald McDonald House?
- A variety of dry and fresh food is provided to families at no cost. This includes breakfast, lunch and dinner items, plus snacks. The Ronald McDonald House Meal Program provides a home-cooked dinner to families several nights per week. Refrigeration and a secure, locked pantry area are provided to each family to store their personal food items.
Additional Resources
Ronald McDonald House Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 66KB)
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