A haven for out-of-town families with a child in the hospital.

At the Richmond Ronald McDonald House, parents are able to relax, cook a meal, watch television, play with their children in the playroom or just sit on the porch and relax. The House provides not only a place to stay, but also an opportunity to meet other parents whose children are in the hospital, many of which are located just a short drive away. Meeting other families with the same situation and with the same fears and anxieties provides an invaluable opportunity to share information, support, and establish caring bonds that can last a lifetime.

Any family who has a child in any area hospital or other medical facility, regardless of income, can stay at the Ronald McDonald House.

The House is located in Richmond's historic Fan District. Each family receives a private bedroom, with care taken to match room size to family size. Shared spaces include:

• 5 full bathrooms
• 2 half bathrooms
• large kitchen
• large living room
• formal dining room
• computer room with Internet access
• well-stocked playroom

By far the most prominent feature of the House is our staff of dedicated volunteers. They are the heart and soul of the house and work hard to create a friendly, caring atmosphere. Whether conducting a craft session with families or sharing a cup of coffee, our volunteers ensure that parents find a lot of comfort here. Many of our guests have told us they do not know how they would have made it without the support our volunteers and other families provide.

Fees and Funding

Guests are welcomed to make a family donation of $7.50 per room per day. Guests are welcomed to make a smaller donation, mail a payment later, or we can waive the fee altogether. Approximately 80% of our families cannot afford this small fee due to their increased medical expenses and the fact that usually one parent has to stop working to handle frequent hospitalizations.

The Richmond Ronald McDonald House is owned and operated by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond, VA, Inc., a private, non-profit charity. The local McDonald's owner operators very generously paid off the House's mortgage in the 1980s, which has helped keep overhead expenses very low.

Other funding for house operations and programs comes through local and national fundraising efforts. We also receive donations from individuals and local businesses.

In addition to the Ronald McDonald House, the Richmond Chapter of Ronald McDonald House Charities also oversees Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Hospital (reserved for the families of the most critical patients), an annual scholarship award and annual community grants.