1. Who can stay at The Ronald McDonald House of Austin and Central Texas?

The families of seriously ill or injured children who are receiving treatment in an Austin area hospital. The family must reside outside the city limits of Austin. A referral must be made by a social worker or medical staff member at the facility where the child is being treated. All adults staying in the house must have current photo identification.

2. How much does it cost?

The Ronald McDonald House of Austin charges a room-fee of $10 per night per family. The first night's charge is due upon check-in. This includes lodging, meals, laundry facilities, and other services. If this presents a hardship for a family, the fee may be waived.

3. How to apply?

The initial referral must be made by a social worker or medical staff member where the child is being treated in Austin. We cannot guarantee placement until the day of need, but we will place families on a waiting list if the House is at full occupancy. Ronald McDonald House reserves the right to verify the child’s treatment with the medical service provider.

4. What are the hours of the Ronald McDonald House?

The House is accessible to families 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The office is open 7 days a week from 8am-8pm.

5. How big is the Ronald McDonald House of Austin and Central Texas?

The Ronald McDonald House can accommodate 30 families each night in private bedrooms. The House also includes a fully operational kitchen, laundry facility, playground and lounge area. Volunteers provide lunch and dinner for our families on a daily basis.

6. Is transportation to our hospital provided by the House?

Yes, Ronald McDonald House of Austin provides taxi cab vouchers. These are available to families without transportation and are available upon request.

7. How long do families stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Austin?

A family can stay at the House as long as their child is receiving treatment in an Austin area hospital. On average a family will stay at the House for two weeks. However, families have stayed with us for as long as 9 months.

8. What is the relationship between McDonald's and the Ronald McDonald House?

The Ronald McDonald House of Austin is not owned by McDonald's. Each Ronald McDonald House is autonomous and is its own nonprofit corporation. The Ronald McDonald House of Austin receives approximately 10% of its annual operating budget from our local McDonald’s restaurant owner/operators. This funding comes from in-store canister donations, sales of newspapers sold in McDonald’s restaurants and in-store promotions.

9. How is the Ronald McDonald House of Austin and Central Texas funded?

The Ronald McDonald House of Austin and Central Texas is solely operated with funds raised through donations made by individuals, organizations, and corporations in the communities we serve.

10. How can I support the Ronald McDonald House of Austin and Central Texas?

By donating and volunteering. We could not operate the House without generous donations from our Community. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of the House –and the reason we accomplish so much with such a small staff.