Who can stay at the Ronald McDonald House?
Families with children between the ages of 0-21 under the care of one of the many medical, developmental or psychiatric facilities in Columbia, Missouri are eligible to stay at our Ronald McDonald House. We are not income based so ANYONE at ANY income level is welcome. We give preference to families who reside outside Boone County.

How can I stay at the House?
To stay with us for the first time, you MUST have a referral from the hospital or clinic in which your child is receiving treatment. Typically, there is a social worker who handles these requests. If you are not sure, simply tell the medical professional you are working with that you would like to stay at the Ronald McDonald House and they should be able to help you. You only need a referral once per child. After your initial stay, you can call us directly to request a room, as no additional referral is required.

I really need to make sure that I have a place to stay when I am in Columbia. Do you take reservations?
We do not accept advance reservations. Because each child’s treatment is unique, a family’s stay at the Ronald McDonald House is unpredictable. Therefore we are unable to confirm room availability in advance. Once you have been referred to the Ronald McDonald House, you should call us after 7:45 am the day you need a room. If a room is available, we will confirm at that time. If we are full and no rooms are available, you will be added to the day’s waiting list in the order in which we receive your call. If a guest family checks out, then we make our way down the waiting list.

How much does it cost to stay at the Ronald McDonald House?
The Mid-Missouri Ronald McDonald House is funded through the generosity of individual donors, businesses and organizations, as well as guest donations.  Guests are asked to donate what they can towards their stay, however no family is turned away due to an inability to donate. One hundred percent of donations made directly to RMHC of Mid-Missouri help support our operations. RMHC receives $0 in federal or state grants.

My child has an appointment tomorrow morning and we live very far away. May we stay the night before?
Yes! We understand that traveling from a distance for a doctor’s appointment can be very taxing for both parent and child. Families may stay with us the night before their appointment so they are rested and ready for what the next day holds.

My child has Autism. Is the Ronald McDonald House a good fit for us?
We hope that all children and their families feel welcome and accepted at the Ronald McDonald House. We are within walking distance to the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders. We are proud to say that 100% of our staff has completed training with the Thompson Center to become an Autism Friendly Business. We have weighted blankets available upon request and chain locks on guest bedroom doors to ensure your child’s safety. Our staff is caring and compassionate, and we can’t wait to meet you!

Your House has multiple levels and my child uses a wheelchair. Do you have an elevator?
Yes! We are proud to say our House meets all ADA compliance standards, including an elevator and wider corridors.

How long do families usually stay at a Ronald McDonald House?
Stays can be as short as one night or as long as several months, and sometimes extend to a year or more, depending on the child’s illness and treatment.

Do you conduct background checks? What would disqualify me from staying at the Ronald McDonald House?
Our background screenings are for the safety of all the families staying here. We do not allow individuals to stay with us who have been convicted or have plead guilty to ANY violent crime or crimes against children. We look at the background as a whole to make the determination on whether or not an individual is suitable for a communal living environment.

Do we have to stay overnight at the House? Can we just come do laundry?
Anyone who meets our eligibility criteria can use our Day Pass program, even if they live within Boone County. Our Day Pass program allows families to take a break from the hospital or clinic and recharge before heading back. Families can do laundry, eat lunch, watch TV or just relax in our comfortable home-like environment.

Who owns and operates the Ronald McDonald House in Columbia, Missouri?
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri operates the Ronald McDonald House in Columbia, Missouri and is governed by a Board of Directors who are responsible for program development, standards and operations.

Doesn’t McDonald’s fund the Ronald McDonald House?
Local McDonald’s restaurant owner/operators generously fund portions of the annual operating costs of the House. However, the majority of the annual operating income comes from individual and other corporate donors.

Do you only serve families of children?
Yes. You are eligible to stay at the Ronald McDonald House if you have a child between the ages of 0-21 who is under the care of one of the many medical, developmental or psychiatric facilities in Columbia, Missouri.

How can I support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri?
You can support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Mid-Missouri in a number of ways including donating, volunteering, collecting items from our wish-list, and more! Visit our How to Help page for more information.