Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Who can stay at the Ronald McDonald House?

The families of seriously ill or injured children who are receiving treatment in an El Paso area hospital. Families must reside more than 25 miles from the House.  For more details, please contact us at (915)542-1522.

 

2. How do I get a room at the House?

A social worker or medical staff member at the facility where the child is being treated must make the referral directly to the Ronald McDonald House of El Paso. Ronald McDonald House Charities of El Paso reserves the right to verify the child’s treatment with the medical service provider. All adults staying in the House must present current photo identification at check-in.  We cannot guarantee placement until the day of need, but we will place families on a waiting list if the House is at full occupancy.

 

3. How much does it cost?

The Ronald McDonald House of El Paso requests a voluntary donation fee of $10. This includes lodging, laundry facilities, as well as other services. If the fee presents a hardship for a family, the fee may be minimized or waived.  If the family is Medicaid eligible, Medicaid will often pay the room fee.

 

4. What are the hours of the Ronald McDonald House?

The House is accessible to families and is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

 

5. How big is the Ronald McDonald House?

The Ronald McDonald House of El Paso can accommodate 10 families each night in private suites. The House also includes a fully operational kitchen, laundry facilities, large indoor playground, Multi-Purpose Meeting Room, and indoor/outdoor living areas.

 

6. Are meals provided?

The families prepare their own meals. We have a fully-stocked pantry with food, but families also have the option to purchase their own groceries and store the goods in House refrigerators, freezers and in designated food storage areas. Local organizations/establishments will, from time to time, donate meals for the families to enjoy.

SunRidge Senior Living Center has been our dinning sponsor for over 3 years providing meals every Monday- Wednesday- Friday.

 

7. What if I don't have a way to get to the hospital where my child is staying?

Ronald McDonald House of El Paso provides shuttle service to medical facilities. In the event that the shuttle cannot pick up a family, we will provide them with cab fare.

 

8. How long do families stay at the Ronald McDonald House of El Paso?

Depending on the severity of the child’s illness, families can reside at the House for as little as a two-night stay or as long as almost a year. For our long-term guests, after 6(six) months, the family must check out for two weeks.  If the child is still in the hospital and/or requires additional treatment, and the family is still in need of a room at the Ronald McDonald House, they can be referred again and occupy a room until the 6(six) month mark is reached again. For families who must continue to reside in El Paso for more than year to continue treatment with local medical facilities, we offer the RMHC of El Paso Relocation Program to assist families into transitioning into an apartment for their extended stay.

 

9.  Who can use the Ronald McDonald Family Room?

Any family who has a child in The Hospitals of Providence Children’s Hospital and Memorial Medical Center is encouraged to visit the Family Room.

Please visit our Family Room page to learn more about services offered.

 

10.  How much does it cost to use the Ronald McDonald Family Room?

There is no charge to visit the Family Room.  Guests can enjoy a snack or drink, watch TV, take a nap, or talk with other parents or the Family Room volunteers. All services provided in the Family Room are free of charge.

 

11. What is the relationship between McDonald's and Ronald McDonald

 House Charities of El Paso?

While the McDonald's corporation is a partner in care and licenses us to operate the charity, Ronald McDonald House Charities is neither owned nor fully funded by McDonald's. Local owner/operators and McDonald's corporate employees serve as members of our Board of Directors, volunteer at the House, or serve as sponsors of our major fundraisers.

 

12. How is Ronald McDonald House Charities of El Paso funded?

Ronald McDonald House Charities of El Paso is solely operated with funds raised through donations made by individuals, organizations, special events  and corporations in the community we serve. A small portion of our operating fund is also supported by grants.

 

13. How can I support Ronald McDonald House Charities of El Paso?

By making a donation and/or volunteering. We could not operate the charity without the generous support of our community. Your kindness is what helps to keep the doors open of our House. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of the House – they are the reason we are able to accomplish so much with such a small staff. To explore volunteer opportunities, click on the “How I Can Help” section or contact us at (915)542-1522.

What We Do