Who stays at the House?

Families who live more than thirty miles from Tucson, and who have a child, 21 or younger being treated by area hospitals, are eligible to stay at the House. Families are referred to the House by their hospital social worker.

Tucson is home to world-class programs for treatment of pre-maturity, pediatric cancer and bone marrow transplant, cardiac care, and heart, lung and liver transplant.

Families from all walks of life, from all ethnic and socioeconomic groups use the Ronald McDonald House. They have one thing in common – they will do anything to help their child get well.

How long do families stay?

In 2010, the overall average stay was 22 nights. Families stay anywhere from one night for a check-up or outpatient procedure, to six to nine months for organ and bone marrow transplants. Over the years, we have hosted a number of families for a year or more.  There is not a maximum number of nights a family can stay at the House because we want to ensure that they have a place to stay during their entire hospital visit.

How is the Ronald McDonald House staffed?

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona has 6 full-time and 7 part-time staff members who are assisted by more than 60 regular volunteers.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona is governed by a twenty member Board of Directors who serve as volunteers and oversee the financial and legal health of the organization.

Is there a fee for the families who stay at the House?

Our cost per night per family is $90.  We ask families to contribute $15 per night, however, families are never turned away if they are unable to pay. 

How is the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona funded?

We rely on the community to help support our programs and services. 90% of our annual budget comes from individuals and corporations in the community. The cost of housing a family for one night is $90 – but through the support of Corporations and Foundations, and most importantly, Individuals – we are able to ask only $15 each night from our Families.