FAQ

Who owns the Ronald McDonald House?
Each Ronald McDonald House is owned and operated separately as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. Each House is run by a volunteer Board of Directors which is composed of community members, members of the medical and business communities, and local McDonald’s owner/operators. In Phoenix, Ronald McDonald Houses and Ronald McDonald Family Room are owned and operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix, Inc. All of our funding comes from private and charitable donations. Our global Ronald McDonald House Charities organization provides us with donations from such sponsors as Bissell, Coke, Georgia-Pacific Corporation and Nestle. Although McDonald’s restaurants are very involved in our fundraising efforts, none of the Ronald McDonald Houses are owned by McDonald’s.

What is the involvement of McDonald's in this program?
McDonald’s gives seed money to each new Ronald McDonald House. It also plays a critical role sponsoring fundraisers in the restaurants to benefit RMHC, including the canister donations from the public. In addition, McDonald’s owner/operators serve on our board of directors and volunteer expertise in many areas, such as construction, finance, public relations, marketing and management. However, only 20% of our operating budget comes from McDonald's. We have a licensing agreement with McDonald’s enabling us to use the RMHC name and logo.

Does Ronald McDonald House provide medical services?
No. The Ronald McDonald House of Phoenix is strictly a home away from home for families of sick or injured children. The House allows family members to remain close to a child during his or her hospitalization. Increasingly, children who are receiving outpatient care, during all or some of their stay, also stay at the House with their families, if it is safe and appropriate for them to reside in a non-clinical, communal setting.

Can families other than those of pediatric cancer patients stay at the House?
Yes! The Ronald McDonald House is available to the family of any sick or injured child (that resides at least 30 miles from the House) who is actively receiving medical care from any Valley medical provider.

My 17 year old daughter is coming to Phoenix alone for medical care. Can she stay at the Ronald McDonald House?
No. A guest must be at least 18 years old to stay at the House without adult supervision by a parent, legal guardian or legal spouse (age 18 or older). If a person under the age of 18 will be checking into the House with an adult other than a parent, legal guardian or spouse (for example, with a family friend, grandparent or other relative) RMHC of Phoenix must have a notarized Power of Attorney from the parent or legal guardian.

Can families of hospitalized adults stay at the House?
No. Ronald McDonald Houses only serve families of pediatric patients, age 21 or younger.

Can I make a reservation to stay at the House?
To stay at the House, you first must be formally referred by the hospital or other medical provider that will be caring for your child. Because we do not know how long other families will need to stay, we cannot take "reservations”. Once your health care provider has referred you, we will put your family on the waiting list for the expected date of your arrival. Please call the day before you plan to check-in to confirm availability.

Is there a charge to stay at the House?
Yes, $10 per family per night. However, no family is ever turned away for the inability to pay. (Note: It costs RMHC of Phoenix more than $72 a night to provide services to a family. The difference is made up from fundraising and other revenue.)

Are there "smoking rooms?"
No! Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the House.

How can I help?
Lots of ways! You can support RMHC of Phoenix financially, volunteer, donate wish list items, or provide a meal for our families. For more information about how you can get involved, click here.

I hear that pop tab collection programs are a myth. Do you really get money for pop tabs?
YES! RMHC of Phoenix recycling program is REAL. This year, we started a Pop Tab Challenge for the schools which runs from August thru April. However, we collect tabs year round. We expect to make nearly $5,000 from recycling efforts. Note: we are available to accept pop tab donations from 9a.m. – 9p.m., 365 days a year. For more information on our pop tab program, click here.

How many families stay at the House each year?
With Arizona’s booming population the number of families we serve continues to grow. In 2007 we provided housing to 1518 families who stayed an average of 6 nights.