Frequently Asked Questions

                                            Playtime at Ronald McDonald House

1. What does Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego do for the community?

Our Mission: To provide a home-away-from-home for families of children being treated for serious, often life-threatening illness or injury at San Diego hospitals.

Our Purpose: The Ronald McDonald House of San Diego is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, in order to provide lodging to family members of sick or injured children. The alternative for these families is usually sleeping in hospital waiting rooms or in their car, or driving long distances home and back. Since 1980, families have relied on our lodging services - first at our former 12-bedroom House on Berger Avenue, and since July 2009, at our new 47-bedroom House. It costs nearly $148 per night to provide a bedroom to a family, which often includes siblings and the sick child. 

We also offer a reprieve during the day for day visitors through our Family Care Center, located within the House. It is open during the day to any family with a child being treated in a local hospital, not just people staying overnight at the Ronald McDonald House.

Studies show that when family members stay close to their ailing child, the child heals better and family members cope better. The Ronald McDonald House is here to take care of families so they can care for their kids. A bed near the hospital, a warm meal, a hot shower and access to laundry facilities, a computer lab, and many other services, can make all the difference to those who sit by their sick child’s bedside day in and day out. Because of our new, larger Ronald McDonald House, we can provide so many more families the comfort and necessities needed to cope, when their lives are turned upside down by their child’s illness or injury. We expect to serve more than 20,000 annually.


2. Are there other organizations in San Diego that offer the same services to families?

Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego is the only organization of its kind in San Diego County, serving the families of hospitalized children who are being treated for serious illness or injury. We are part of a Global family of more than 300 Houses.


3. How much of my contribution stays with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego?

Your entire donation benefits the families we serve at the San Diego Ronald McDonald House.


4. Does the Ronald McDonald House receive funding from McDonald’s Corporation?

The generosity of the McDonald’s Corporation comes mainly through the contributions of the local McDonald’s Restaurant owner/operators, through collection boxes in their restaurants, and various promotions throughout the year, totaling about 10 percent of RMHC-SD's annual operating budget.


5. Does RMHC-SD receive funding from Rady Children’s Hospital?

We are an independent 501(c)(3) corporation, and are financially independent of the hospital. We serve families with hospitalized children who are receiving treatment at Rady Children’s Hospital, as well as other area hospitals.


6. Are families charged for their stay at the Ronald McDonald House?

We ask families to consider a $40 room set-up fee at check-in and a $15 donation per night at the House.Our actual cost is $150 per night. We do not turn any family away for inability to pay. We do encourage and facilitate each family's effort to help us underwrite their stay, by inviting support from their family members, friends, and co-workers. For more than thirty one years, we have fulfilled our mission with the generous support of foundations, corporations and individuals like you in our community.


7. Can I visit the House, and see the programs my donation will support?

Absolutely!  We are available to give tours during our normal operating hours. We encourage visits by individuals and groups, so that donors can see firsthand how important their gifts and support are to the families who benefit.  Simply call the office at 858-467-4750 to arrange for a visit.


8. Is my donation to RMHC-SD tax deductible?

Yes, gifts to RMHC-SD are deductible to the extent allowable by law. Please consult your legal and financial advisors for assistance. Ronald McDonald House Charities® of San Diego, Inc. is an independent 501(c)(3) corporation, governed by a local Board of Trustees.