Program areas at RMHD
Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD)was established in 1981 as Dallas' only temporary home-away-from-home for families with seriously ill or injured children receiving essential medical care and has served 41,000 families over the years.With approximately 78,000 square feet, the House offers 89 rooms comprised of 77 bedrooms, 6 extended-stay suites, and 6 transplant apartments. The House also provides multiple playrooms for kids of all ages and interests, a library, media room, craft room, chapel, meditation garden, laundry rooms, fitness center, and outdoor play areas, including a splash pad. A large communal kitchen, with an open dining room, and a family kitchen provide opportunities for families to share meals prepared by themselves or by dedicated community volunteers, three times a day.RMHD depends on the compassionate generosity of over a thousand volunteers and donors annually to embolden its mission. Volunteers support RMHD's annual operations and fundraising activities by providing transportation to and from the hospitals, operating the front desk, preparing and serving meals, volunteering at the Trains of NorthPark and other events, as well as hosting numerous organized activities. In 2022, approximately 1,400 volunteers and 2,000 donors joined RMHD in its important work. COVID-19 had a tremendous impact on RMHD and the way families were served. All the common spaces in the House finally opened and the first meals served in the dining room occured on April 1, 2022. RMHD experienced higher than usual food costs as many meals had to be catered as the number of cooking groups was still decreased. The Family Room at Scottish Rite for Children in Frisco serviced 712 children and thier families. The distribution of hospitality bags to NICU parents at Texas Health Frisco began at the end of the year.The House was able to slowly provide activites for small numbers indoor as well as host a few outdoor activities. In 2022, 770 familes were served with a total of 14,090 nights. The average length of stay was 17 nights. Approximately 75% of our families traveled from within Texas, 21% from out of state, and 4% internationally. Three meals a day continued to be serve the entire year, including during the pandemic. Since opening its doors, the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas has served more than 41,000 families. When checking out, families are never asked to contribute towards their stay. However, families are always welcome to donate if they chose. The cost per night to house a family is approximately $132 - a cost largely convered by individual and corporate donors, community organizations, and special events.