Frequently Asked Questions

About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio

Parents, family members, and custodial parents responsible for the care of a hospitalized child or adolescent (the maximum age is 21) are all welcome to stay as guests. Furthermore, children undergoing outpatient care at least twice a week may also stay at the House as guests.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, guests are not currently permitted at Ronald McDonald House.

We are located directly across the street from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, on E. Livingston Ave between Ann St. and S. 17th St.

No one is required to pay to stay at the Ronald McDonald House. We are in the business of taking away stress for our guests. To that end, we want them to be able to focus on the health and well-being of their children and not worry about the cost of their living expenses. Some guests make donations to RMHC when they check out, but most stay completely for free.

On average, guests stay for 6 to 8 nights at the House. Stays can range from one night to several months, and sometimes even last a year or more.

You can support RMHC of Central Ohio by donating and volunteering! Without individual and group donations, we would be unable to provide the services that help so many families. Likewise, our volunteers are the heart and soul of the House, and the reason we are able to operate on a day to day basis with such a small staff. Please check out the “Volunteer” and “Give” tabs in the top menu bar to learn more about how you can become a supporter.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio offers three core programs: the Ronald McDonald House, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, and two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms. Learn more about each program offered by clicking on the “Services” tab in the top menu.

Services we provide include, but are not limited to, cleaning supplies, toiletries, snack packs, welcome bags, home cooked meals, free parking, Wi-Fi and access to a computer lab, towels, blankets, and other linens, as well as washer and dryer machines with complimentary laundry detergent. In addition, the House offers an exercise room, library, game room, movie theater, princess room, several play rooms, and other fun themed areas throughout.

Limited shuttle service is provided to and from our local hospitals. Some other additional transportation is available such as trips to the grocery store.

A referral from a health care professional and a background check are required before a family can stay at the Ronald McDonald House.