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When families travel to New York City for their child’s medical treatment, Ronald McDonald House New York offers them a safe, clean, and supportive place to stay close to most major hospitals in New York City. RMH-NY provides temporary lodging, transportation, meals, and supportive amenities including private bedrooms, family rooms, dining room, a new playroom, laundry facilities, tutoring, Family Support, and wellness services. Most importantly, Ronald McDonald House New York creates a home-away-from-home where kids can be kids first and cancer patients second.

Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements Ronald McDonald House New York provides services to eligible parents, guardians, and family members of pediatric patients without regard to income or ability to pay, race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion, political affiliation, age, gender or gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, housing status, marital status, immigration status, veteran status, or any other protected class under all applicable laws and regulations. Discrimination against any guest family and others seeking to stay at a Ronald McDonald House or seeking service from any other program operated by Ronald McDonald House Ne York will not be tolerated. These are the following eligibility requirements for families requesting accommodation at our Ronald McDonald House New York:

  1. Families with a child/patient (ages 0-26 years) currently undergoing active cancer or other complex treatments at a partnering New York City hospital.
  2. A pregnant person who needs to be near the hospital because their baby will need urgent surgery at birth.

Requesting Housing Though our goal is to provide overnight stays for every family in need, our Ronald McDonald Houses operate at full capacity, and we are unable to accommodate every request. If you meet the eligibility requirements above, please contact your hospital social worker to complete our reservation request form. Any changes to a reservation, including extending a stay or accompanying guest, must be made through the social worker as well. All requests must be made through a hospital social worker/patient coordinator from one of our partner hospitals. A request does not guarantee a room, and we ask all families to confirm their reservation 72 hours in advance of their expected arrival date. Day-of reservations are possible and based on availability. Extensions and/or future reservation request All families must go through a hospital social worker/patient coordinator at a partner hospital to make an additional reservation and/or extension to current reservation. An extension request may not be guaranteed. Guest and Family Accommodations Accommodation at the House is provided for parents/guardians, siblings or essential caregivers who will be directly involved with the daily support of the patient. All guests must be approved by the referring hospital or program. All patients must have a caregiver (18+) who has a primary caregiving, legal, or emotional support role in the life of the patient receiving treatment.

FAQs

How many people can stay in a room?

  • Four people, including the patient (including if the patient is currently an inpatient), may stay in the room at a time. This is based on fire code and New York City safety regulations. Our occupancy requirements can be modified under certain circumstances.

How much does it cost to stay at Ronald McDonald House New York?

  • The actual cost to operate a room is $310 a night; however, families are asked to donate $35 per night. Payment is NEVER required for those who cannot afford it. The difference is made up through donations. Thanks to your contributions, it is a global RMHC policy that a family never be turned away because of their ability to pay.

Can a family go home and keep their room?

  • Because we strive to help as many families as possible, we are unable to hold a room for a family while they are not using it. Families will need to make separate reservations through a hospital social worker.
  • For extenuating circumstances and possible exceptions, please reach out to the front desk and/or Family Support.

Can a family have more than one room (for example, a second room for a nurse or grandparent)?

  • Ronald McDonald House New York is full nearly every night. We can only allocate one room per family due to a high demand for rooms.

Can I bring my service dog/emotional support animal to the House?

  • Yes, certified service dogs and emotional support animals are allowed at Ronald McDonald House New York. Please inform your hospital social worker regarding this need prior to your reservation.

Preparing for Check-In

What do I need to bring with me to check-in?

  • Valid photo identification for each guest age 18 or older who will be staying in the room (driver’s license, passport, and/or visa, if applicable).
  • Insurance card and important medical information for the patient.
  • Any medications, medical equipment, or supplies needed during your stay.
  • Weather-appropriate clothing, pajamas, and personal toiletries.
  • Cell phone chargers and other personal electronic items.
  • A stroller/ car seat.
  • School supplies, comfort items, or favorite toy/blanket for children.
  • Items to make your room your home (you may choose to bring family pictures or linens from home).

What should I not bring with me to check-in? To help maintain a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for all families staying at Ronald McDonald House New York, we ask that guests do not bring:

  • Weapons of any kind, including firearms
  • Illegal drugs or substances
  • Alcohol, vaping products, or smoking materials
  • Candles, incense, hot plates, or other open flame/heating devices
  • Large furniture or excessive personal belongings
  • Pets or animals are not approved through the House’s animal service or emotional support animal process
  • Items that may pose a safety risk or disrupt other guests

Your Room

Each guest room includes basic comfort and household items to help support your stay. Rooms are equipped with:

  • Clean linens and towels
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Hairdryer
  • In room safe
  • Mini refrigerator
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Television and phone

We also offer a variety of toiletries, baby items, clothing, and snacks throughout the House, however, these items are donation-based and availability may vary. Additional items may be available upon request, including:

  • Pack-in-plays
  • Potty chairs
  • Baby baths
  • Strollers
  • Laundry detergent
  • Zero gravity chair

Please note that we do not provide medical supplies, medical equipment, or medical machines. Who will clean my room during my stay? We provide cleaning supplies and ask that families maintain their rooms during their stay. If you need additional supplies, or you need something fixed, don’t hesitate to reach out to the front desk.

House Policies

Infectious Disease: All guests must be free of fever, cough, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms prior to check-in. If you exhibit these symptoms, or become ill during your stay, please wear appropriate masks and protective gear in public spaces and quarantine yourself in your room. Please advise your hospital social worker and a RMH-NY staff member so that we can take proper precautions. Security: The safety and security of our families is a top priority. There are numerous policies and safeguards in place:

  • Our doors are locked 24/7.
  • All individuals accessing the House must either use their key card or be allowed in by our Front Desk team. 
  • All guests are registered in our system and must carry a House photo ID card. 
  • All staff, families, and volunteers must wear their ID badge while in Ronald McDonald House New York. 
  • All visitors must sign in at the front desk and be met in the lobby by the family or staff.
  • Visitors are only allowed in the living room or lobby and are not allowed on any of the guest floors. 
  • During the day, families will be welcomed by our front desk and security team.

Visitor Policy: All visitors must sign in with Security upon arrival and check in at the Front Desk. Visitors will be issued badges that must be visibly always worn while on the premises.

  • Visitors are welcome Monday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Visitor hours are subject to change at the discretion of Management based on health and safety protocols, guest needs, special events, or other operational considerations. Any updates will be communicated to guests in advance whenever possible.
  • Visitors are permitted only in the Lobby and the Macy’s Living Room.
  • All guests and visitors, 18 and older, must sign in with the security desk.
  • Security must verify the identity of guests and visitors with their government-issue/approved photo identification for each adult. 
  • Families are responsible for remaining with their visitors throughout their stay in the House.
  • Visitors are prohibited from using the meal program or any resources designated for in-house families.
  • Visitors exhibiting any cold-like or contagious symptoms must not enter the facility.
  • Each family may have up to four visitors at any given time.
  • If a visitor violates any House policies, they may be asked to leave, and this may affect the guest family’s future visitor privileges

Substance Use: Absolutely no smoking or vaping is permitted in the House or within 100 feet of our building. Families are also not allowed to bring alcohol, illegal drugs, guns, weapons, candles or incense into the House. If management suspects that a guest has brought or used these prohibited items, we reserve the right to ask you to forfeit your reservation status. Curfew: There is no curfew at the House, and we have 24-hour reception at the front desk. We ask families to be mindful of quiet hours and to reduce noise at all times. Quiet time is between 9:00 pm and until 8:00 am. Radios, televisions, and other devices should be kept very low so they cannot be heard outside of family rooms. Dress Code: Shirts and footwear must be worn in all public areas.  Families are reminded that this is a shared “home” and attire can be relaxed but should always be appropriate.

Amenities

Are meals available at the House? Participation in the meal program is optional and free of charge.

  • Grab-and-go breakfast items are available at your convenience. 
  • Lunch is served from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM. 
  • Dinner is served from 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM. 
  • All meals and snacks are individually packaged and available in the Dining Room. 
  • Leftover meals, snacks, and beverages are available in the Community Fridge in the 2nd Floor Dining Room. 
  • Coffee, hot water, microwaves, ice, and scheduled kitchen access are also available

Does Ronald McDonald New York offer transportation? Yes, families may utilize transportation to and from the hospital through Uber Health. Families are permitted one round trip per day for transportation to and from medical appointments. Does the House provide internet access? Yes. Families have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the House. Can mail, flowers, packages, and gift baskets be sent to a family at the House? Yes. Families can accept packages at our front desk. Please send mail addressed to a patient by name and room number, so we can easily locate their room information. Is parking available at the House? We do not have parking facilities. We do not have special arrangements or discounts with parking garages. Families will need to find on-street parking or utilize one of several parking garages located in the community.  Is there babysitting service? Staff and volunteers are not responsible for the supervision of children. Parents and caregivers are responsible for the supervision and safety of their children at all times.