GENERAL FAQ's

 

FAQ's FOR FAMILIES



GENERAL
  • What is Ronald McDonald House Charities of Intermountain Area?
    Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Intermountain Area is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization and a chapter of the global RMHC. Our cornerstone is the Salt Lake Ronald McDonald House which provides a caring home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill children being treated at either Primary Children’s, the University of Utah, Shriner’s or LDS Hospital. In addition, RMHC operates a Ronald McDonald House Family Room TM; an in-hospital respite for parents of in-patient children. Our Family Room is located in Ogden Regional Medical Center. RMHC extends its reach by awarding grants to children’s related nonprofits in the intermountain area.

 

 

 

  • How many Ronald McDonald Houses are there?
    There are more than 290 Ronald McDonald Houses throughout the United States and world, with local chapters in 52 countries and regions. All operate under licensing guidelines from the global Ronald McDonald House Charities. However, each Ronald McDonald House is independently operated.

 

  • How big is the Salt Lake Ronald McDonald House?
    The Salt Lake Houses can accommodate 45 families each night in three buildings. House I has rooms for 29 families; our Transplant Apartments are self-contained units, and House III serves as a quiet sanctuary for families with seriously ill children. These facilities are a short ride to local area hospitals and a shuttle is provided.

 

  • How is the House funded?
    By generous supporters like you! Over 90 percent of our operating funds come from individuals, organizations and businesses in the Intermountain Area. It costs about $1.3 million annually to operate RMHC. The majority of that amount is raised through individual and corporate donations. These include the Share-A-Night program, RMHC-sponsored and other fundraising events, grants, will bequests, property and goods donations.

 

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  • Does McDonald's Corporation subsidize the House?
    Local McDonald's restaurant owner/operators fund between 10 and 12 percent of our annual operating costs. This funding comes from in-store canister donations, sales of newspapers sold in McDonald's restaurants and in-store promotions.

 

  • How can I support the Salt Lake Ronald McDonald House?
    By donating and volunteering!! We could not operate the House without donations from individuals and groups. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our House - and the reason we can accomplish so much with such a small staff. We have a detailed list of in-kind supplies, equipment and services that are most needed. Also check with staff about the next major event we are hosting and ask how you can help!

 

  • Who can stay at the House?
    Families of seriously ill children undergoing medical treatment at one of our local hospitals who live more than 35 miles from Salt Lake may stay at the House. Most of our families come from Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Montana and Colorado. However, we serve families from throughout the U.S. and world. First time families are referred to us by the social workers at the hospital. Once a family has been referred and stayed with us, they can call the House directly for future stays.

 

 

  • How long do families usually stay at the House?
    It varies greatly, depending on the child's illness and treatment. Stays may last several weeks to several months and even extend to a year or more. The average length of stay has increased in the last three years from three - five days up to six - seven days.

 

  • What do volunteers do?
    Volunteers are vital to our operation as they work the front desk and greet visitors, help with family services and clean the Houses. They also organize fundraisers, cook dinners, and sponsor activities for the families.

 

 

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FOR FAMILIES

 

  • Does the House provide food or transportation for the families?
    House I and House III each have a communal kitchen and pantry of non-perishable foods that are offered free to all families. Each family has refrigerator and cupboard space where a small amount of personal food can be stored. Outside volunteer groups regularly visit the House to make dinners for the families. There is no eating allowed in the rooms, or anywhere in the House, outside of the kitchen and dining room. There is an RMHC complimentary shuttle that takes guests to and from the hospital on weekdays.

 

  • How can a family stay at the House?
    New guests must have a referral from a hospital social worker where their child is being treated. Guests who have stayed at the House within two years should call the day before their arrival to be placed on a waiting list. Guests must then call again, before noon, on the day of their arrival to see if a room is available for them.

 

  • Are only low-income families permitted to stay at the House?
    Family income is not a consideration for admittance. Our only requirement is that families have a child who is aged 18 or younger undergoing medical treatment at a hospital in Salt Lake. All families are requested to pay $15 a night towards the cost of their stay; however, no one is ever turned away due to an inability to pay.

 

 

  • Does the House provide counseling?
    There is no formal counseling program, but families get support from staff, volunteers and other families going through similar experiences.

 

  • Is there a curfew?
    The House is open 24 hours a day for families staying here to come and go. Visiting hours are between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.

 

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  • How many people can stay in each room?
    Fire code regulations determine the number of people who can stay in a room. Most rooms can accommodate three family members. There are a limited number of rooms that can accommodate up to five immediate family members.

 

  • Can families have visitors?
    Visiting hours are between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Visitors are welcome, but must sign in at the front desk and stay on the main floor. The children living at Ronald McDonald House are highly susceptible to infections. Please do not plan on coming to the House if, within the last month, you or any family members have been exposed to chicken pox, shingles, measles, tuberculosis, influenza, hepatitis A or any other infectious disease, or if you have any of the following symptoms: sore throat, runny nose, watery eyes, cough fever, chills, unexplained rash, general aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

 

  • Is smoking permitted?
    There is no smoking anywhere in the House. Utah State law prohibits indoor smoking and smoking within 50 feet of any entrance.

 

 

  • Is there maid service?
    No. All families are asked to clean their room before checking out of the House. They are also expected to clean up any communal areas they use. The washing machines and dryers are available for personal use.

 

 

 

  • What is in a guest room?
    Rooms in House I and House III each have a bed, private bathroom, closet space and a telephone. Check-in time is between 9:00 am and 4 p.m. seven days a week.

 

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