Who can stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD)?
The families of seriously ill or injured children who are receiving treatment at Dallas area hospitals. Priority is given to families who live more than 40 miles outside of Dallas city limits.
How do I get a room at the House?
Referrals must be made by a social worker, a member of the medical team, or a Medicaid caseworker where the child is being treated in Dallas. All referrals must be made over the phone. At this time, we do NOT accept email referrals.
Once the referral has been made, RMHD staff will contact the family to confirm room request. We cannot guarantee placement until the day of need. RMHD reserves the right to verify appointments with the medical service provider.
All adults, including patients 18 and older, staying in the house must have current, valid government-issued photo identification and pass a criminal background check.
What if I’m a returning family?
Returning families need to contact their social worker, a member of their medical team, or Medicaid caseworker and have them place a referral on their behalf. We are no longer allowing families to self refer.
How much does it cost?
RMHD provides all guests with lodging, meals, laundry facilities, and many other services. Guest families are never required to pay anything, but we welcome a $15-per-night donation to help offset costs. However no family is turned away due to an inability to donate.
What are RMHD’s hours?
The House is accessible to families 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
How big is RMHD?
RMHD can accommodate 89 families each night in private rooms. The House also contains multiple playrooms for kids of all ages and interests, a library, media room, craft room, chapel, meditation garden, laundry rooms, fitness center, and outdoor play areas, including a splash pad.
Are meals provided?
Volunteers participating in our Meals That Heal program often prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner for our families. We are one of the few houses that provide three meals a day, 365 days a year.
What if I don’t have a way to get to the hospital where my child is staying?
RMHD has a House van which can be used for close transportation needs. This option is available upon request to families who need transportation. Transportation to and from the hospital is based on staffing availability.
How long do families stay at RMHD?
A family can stay at the House as long as the child is undergoing treatment/care at our local hospitals.
How is RMHD funded?
RMHD is primarily operated with funds raised through donations made by individuals, organizations, and corporations in the communities we serve.
How can I support RMHD?
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 can accomplish so much with limited funding resources.
Do local McDonald’s fund RMHD?
Local McDonald’s restaurant owner/operators generously fund portions of the annual operating costs of the House. However, the majority of the annual operating income comes from individuals and other corporate donors.
Parents don’t know when their child will need medical help. But they should know they can always access the care they need. And with your help, we can support them all throughout their journey.
