What to Expect
Here’s what you’ll find at the Ronald McDonald House
- A “home-away-from-home” surrounded by people who care
- Private bedrooms and bathrooms
- Places for kids to play – indoor & outdoor
- Full kitchen and dining room
- Cook a meal for yourself, eat meals create by our volunteers, or take a grab-‘n-go meal
- Laundry rooms
- Louise Thomas Healing Garden
- TMC Foundation Lactation Suite
- All at no cost to you
At RMHC, we want our families to focus on what’s most important — precious time together. If your child is sick, you have many things to worry about. We believe that where you’ll stay or how to pay for it shouldn’t be among them.
STAY WITH US
Watch our brief video in either English or Spanish. Then fill out the room request form or call us at (520) 326-0060.
Families who stay at Ronald McDonald House:
- Have a child or young adult 21 years-old or under and receive medical care at a Tucson hospital, clinic or outpatient facility.
- Live 30 or more miles from our location.
Additionally:
- There is no charge for families to stay.
- All children under the age of 18 must be with their legal guardian while on the House property at all times.
For the health and safety of all of our guests, additional criteria may apply.
View additional criteria
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona (RMHC-SA) reserves the right to refuse admittance to any potential guest for any reason including, but not limited to, anyone charged or convicted of a crime that RMHC-SA decides, in its sole discretion, actually threatens or may threaten the health, safety, welfare, well-being, and ability of other individuals to peacefully enjoy the Ronald McDonald House. Before being permitted to stay at the House, all potential guests – 18 years old or older – must consent to and pass a criminal background check. For example, and without limitation, any potential guest with a felony or misdemeanor charge or conviction for a violent crime, domestic violence, child abuse, a sex offense, current illegal drug activity and/or burglary will not be allowed to stay at the House.
RMHC-SA reserves the right to refuse admittance to or exclude from the House anyone who gives false, incomplete or misleading responses to the background check questionnaire. RMHC-SA has sole discretion in these matters in order to preserve the health, safety, welfare, well-being, and the ability of other individuals to peacefully enjoy the House.
RMHC-SA may also exclude individuals who have been exposed to an infectious disease within the last 21 days or an individual involved in an open Department of Child Safety (DCS) case. RMHC-SA reserves the sole right to refuse admittance to or exclude from the House anyone who engages in any inappropriate, irresponsible, or criminal behavior (to be determined by RMHC-SA in its sole discretion).
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Background Checks
In order to ensure the safety of all of our guests, we conduct criminal background checks for all prospective guests age 18 and older. By filling out the form below, you agree to the conditions of our Background Check Policy. If you have questions or concerns, we invite you to call us at 520-326-0060 and ask for the House Manager on duty. These checks are not meant to discourage anyone from applying to stay at the Ronald McDonald House, but rather to ensure that your stay is safe and comfortable.
For questions or more information call 520-326-0060 or email our Director of House Operations
If someone in your family has already requested a room, please select “Background Check Agreement Form” below to give us your permission for a background check (required for all guests age 18+) and read and sign the Guest Rules & Responsibilities forms.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How can I stay at the Ronald McDonald House?
There are two ways to apply for a stay at the Ronald McDonald House.
- Contact your social worker at the hospital or clinic where your child is being treated.
- Fill out our online form.
Who is eligible to stay at the Ronald McDonald House?
- In general, any family with a child 21 or younger who lives 30 miles away is eligible to stay, regardless of income or diagnosis. Other criteria, such as a criminal background check, can be found on our Stay with Us page.
- Ronald McDonald House Charities welcomes children and caregivers of all genders, races, nationalities, abilities, religions, sexual orientations, and other affiliations. We work hard to ensure every family is provided with a safe, comfortable and inviting experience.
How long can families stay at the Ronald McDonald House?
There is no minimum or maximum stay. Families can stay as little as 1 night or as many as is needed as dictated by their child’s medical condition. Many families will make multiple trips to the Ronald McDonald House for follow-up treatments.
What are some common reasons families stay at the Ronald McDonald House?
In addition to living in an area in which the right care is not available close by, some of the most common diagnoses for children and families are:
- Premature birth or a stay in the NICU
- High-risk pregnancies (mothers can stay before the baby is born)
- Cancer
- Transplants
- Respiratory
- Cardiac
- Gastrointestinal
- Behavioral (in some instances)
- And many other conditions
If you have a question about your child, just give us a call.
How much does it cost to stay at the Ronald McDonald House?
There is no charge to families to stay at the Ronald McDonald House. All costs to the charity are supported by our local community fundraising efforts.
How can I support the Ronald McDonald House?
You can support the House or RMHC in a number of ways, and we could not operate the Ronald McDonald House without donations from individuals and groups. Click here to learn more about getting involved with RMHC.
The majority of the annual operating income, about 85%, comes from individual and other corporate donors. Local McDonald’s restaurant owner/operators generously fund portions of the annual operating costs of charity. They also volunteer and support in many other ways.
How many people fit in a room?
Each room can accomodate up to 4 people. For families larger than 4 people, two rooms may be required. An adult must stay in each room. Roll-away cribs and/or pack-n-plays may also be available.
Can I have visitors at the Ronald McDonald House?
Visitors are welcome during visiting hours. Visitors are only allowed downstairs and must be accompanied by a guest at all times.