The House

More Than a Place to Stay

The Seattle Ronald McDonald House provides housing to families who are going through a difficult time while caring for a seriously ill child who is receiving treatment at Seattle Children’s. In 2008, we provided 28,000 nights of housing to nearly 1,000 families.

These families come to us from throughout the Northwest, Alaska and beyond. Most arrive with their lives having suddenly been turned upside down, filled with fear, confusion and uncertainty. Most can’t afford housing,

And that’s where the House comes in, providing these families with a home filled with community, support  – and hope.

The House

Our House is not a hotel, motel or hospice, but truly a home-away-from-home. Here, families find a haven away from the tensions of the hospital and gain support from others who are going through similar experiences.

The House is actually three separate buildings. In two of the buildings, families have their own private rooms, sharing communal living areas, kitchens, a pantry, dining areas, laundry, computer rooms, playrooms, a home theater, workout room, teen room and library. Spaces are available for our families to gather and share concerns; others allow them to be alone, to read a book or watch television. In our bone marrow transplant apartments, each unit is self-sufficient with a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, living area, washer and dryer.

Our 24-hour staff provides assistance to our families and manages daily operations. Housekeeping is led by staff and supported by residents and volunteers.

Cost

We ask families to pay $25 per night when they stay with us but many are unable to afford this fee. Thanks to support from the community, no one is ever turned away because of an inability to pay.

The actual cost of operating a room is $80 a night, which is why financial donations, along with donations of time and goods are so important to keeping our House open.