Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can stay at the Ronald McDonald House?
The families of seriously ill or injured children who are receiving treatment in an Austin area hospital. The family must reside more than 25 miles from the House (1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd, Austin, TX 78723). For more details, read our guidelines for family eligibility .
2. How do I get a room at the House?
A social worker or medical staff member at the facility where the child is being treated must make the referral directly to the RMH. All adults staying in the House must present current photo identification at check-in. 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 Charities of Austin and Central Texas reserves the right to verify the child’s treatment with the medical service provider.
3. 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 when the family checks in. This includes lodging, volunteer-prepared meals, laundry facilities and other services. If the fee presents a hardship for a family, the fee may be waived. If the family is Medicaid elgible, Medicaid will often pay the room fee.
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 staffed 24 hours a day.
5. How big is the Ronald McDonald House?
The Ronald McDonald House can accommodate 30 families each night in private suites. The House also includes a fully operational kitchen, laundry facilities, playground and lounge area.
5. Are meals provided?
Volunteers provide lunch and dinner for our families on a daily basis.
6. What if I don't have a way to get to the hospital where my child is staying?
Ronald McDonald House of Austin provides bus passes. These are available upon request to families who need transportation. Capital Metro Route 37 runs from the corner of Lancaster and Barbara Jordan Blvd. to stops at both St. David's Hospital and UMC Brackenridge. RMHC pays Capital Metro for the passes.
7. How long do families stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Austin?
A family can stay at the House for up to 60 days. After 60 days, the family must check out for one week. If the child is still in the hospital, and the family is still in need of a room at the RMH, they can be referred again and occupy a room until the 60 day mark is reached again.
8. Who can use the Ronald McDonald Family Room?
Any family who has a child in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at St. David's North Austin Medical Center. Visit our Family Room page to learn more.
9. How much does it cost to use the Ronald McDonald Family Room?
There is no charge for the Family Room. Families can sit, enjoy a snack or drink, watch TV, talk with other parents or our Family Room volunteers or log on to one of our computers, all free of charge.
10. What is the relationship between McDonald's and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas?
While McDonald's the corporation is a partner in care, Ronald McDonald House Charities is neither owned nor fully funded by McDonald's. Local McDonald's owner/operators and their customers provide approximately ten percent of our operating budget. Several owner/operators and McDonald's corporate employees volunteer as members of our Board or serve as guest services or meal volunteers. McDonald's customers show their support by donating change in the restaurant donation canisters.
11. How is Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas funded?
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Austin and Central Texas is solely operated with funds raised through donations made by individuals, organizations, and corporations in the communities we serve.
12. How can I support RMHC Austin?
By donating and volunteering. We could not operate 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.