Ronald McDonald House

The Ronald McDonald House, known affectionately as the "House that Love Built", is a "home-away-from-home," for families who must travel long distances outside of their own community to seek medical treatment, either in-patient or out-patient, for a seriously ill child. Twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year, our house offers parents and family members of these children a refuge from the hospital.

To be near their children, parents and families must often endure lengthy commutes to a strange city, sleep in hospital waiting rooms, live on fast food or bear the expense of an impersonal hotel room. Ronald McDonald House offers a temporary home that can relieve the stress, financial hardship and loneliness that is often added to the trauma of illness. Ronald McDonald House is open to all families regardless of financial status or ability to pay. Families who stay at the House find other families with the same concerns, and a staff and volunteers who listen and care. During a time of family crisis, the House provides an environment of calm and support.

The Ronald McDonald House of Augusta is located in downtown Augusta, approximately 1 1/2 miles from MCG. It is a historic, three story, Victorian style home with 11 bedrooms. A living room, playroom stocked with toys, laundry room, well-equipped kitchen and dining room are found on the main floor. The house also offers a cheery playground for the children and relaxing flower gardens and patio furniture for the adults. Since November 1984, more than 4,000 families have come to the House from counties throughout Georgia and South Carolina, other states and even foreign countries. Some stay for one night; others may call this Home for months at a time.

Families and patients are welcome to tour the House during office hours before making a reservation. To obtain more information, or to cancel or change a reservation, please call the House at (706)724-5901

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Augusta?
Families of dependent children through age 21 who are receiving treatment at Augusta area hospitals and live outside a 50 mile radius from Augusta are eligible to stay at the Ronald McDonald House.

How do families arrange to stay at Ronald McDonald House?
For the first stay, a family must be referred by a social worker at the hospital where the child is to receive treatment. The family is then put on a waiting list at the House. One day prior to the first day they wish to stay at the House, the family must call the House at (706)724-5901 to verify if a room is available and to confirm their reservation. Families may only check in between 2 pm and 8 pm on weekdays, or between 1 pm and 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Returning families are accepted without a referral provided that they have followed House rules, procedures, and policies in previous stays. They should contract the house directly at (706)724-5901 for a room.

How much does it cost?
The daily cost is based on a sliding scale, not exceeding $10 per day per room. No one is ever turned away because of inability to pay.

What hospitals are served by the Ronald McDonald House?
All local hospitals are served.

What facilities are available to the guests?
Free laundry facilities, all bath and bed linens, and a fully equipped kitchen are provided. A playroom and living room equipped with televisions, a playground and a small library are also available.

Are meals provided?
A fully equipped kitchen is available for families to prepare meals. Several restaurants in all price ranges are located nearby. Church groups and other volunteers bring in hot meals at no cost to the families approximately twenty nights per month. A well stocked food pantry is also available for family use.

Does the House provide child care?
No, but families are welcome to bring along someone to provide that service.

Is hospital transportation available?
Yes, for those families who do not have transportation, MCG provides 2 cab vouchers a day for families to go to the hospital and return to the Ronald McDonald House.

Who is in charge at the Ronald McDonald House?
A staff member is on site 24 hours a day. The office is open from 8:30 am to 9:00 pm on weekdays, and there are afternoon hours on weekends.

How many people from my family can stay at the Ronald McDonald House?
Bedrooms can accommodate no more than 3 adults, or 2 adults and 2 children under the age of 12. In extenuating circumstances, we may be able to accommodate larger families based on availability.

Is there a curfew?
The house is locked 24 hours a day for security. Each family will be given the combination to the lock and may come and go as they like at any time.

Is smoking allowed?
Smoking is NEVER allowed inside the House. Ashtrays are provided beside the rocking chairs on the front porch and on the back porch.