04 Mar 40 Years – About the House

The Oklahoma City Ronald McDonald House opened on April 10, 1984 at 1301 NE 14th Street, just a few blocks east of the Children’s Hospital.  The House had 10 bedrooms with community bathrooms, but later expanded to 14 bedrooms with private bathrooms. The shared living and kitchen areas, laundry facilities and a playground helped provide everything a family would need to feel at home while away from home.

The need for our services kept growing and one of the hardest things we must do is to turn a family away due to lack of available rooms.  To help address the need, a second 14-bedroom Ronald McDonald House opened in Garrison Tower connected by indoor walkway to the hospital in 2015, allowing us to serve 28 families each night.  We learned how important it was for families to be just moments from their child’s bedside.

As services within the hospital expanded, the need for accommodations continued to grow and in 2018, the original House was sold to allow for a 26-bedroom expansion of the House at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital.

To maintain our 28-room capacity during the transition, we provided hotel rooms for families.  We learned the importance of being surrounded by a community of support in an environment of hope.  Families staying at the hotel missed making connections with other families and staff where they could share their concerns and celebrate their successes.

Today, our 40-bedroom House offers an array of amenities for families who are able to stay just steps away from their critically ill or injured children.  Caregivers can check on their child any time, day or night, without having to go out in the elements, fight traffic or find parking.  They can be there to feed their newborn, meet with their care team or respond to emergencies with just a short indoor walk from the House. We are glad that we can provide this House and a space of support and comfort to families.

Take a virtual tour of the House here.

At the House

We know that parents have a lot on their mind and experience a wide range of emotions when their child is in the hospital. And we strive to be a comforting place close to their child, where they might find rest and perhaps a little peace.

Our House is just a short walk from their child’s hospital room, clinic or operating room. When they are not at their child’s side, they can find emotional and physical comfort and support within the House.

We’ve grown and changed just as family needs have. We strive to stay up-to-date on technology and what we offer families staying with us. Our amenities not only meet basic needs but provide emotional support as well. We ensure they have things like:

• fully-stocked kitchen where a delicious meal is provided each night, often by a friendly volunteer
• dining room where they can gather with other families and share feelings, fears and small wins
• library/media room with books, games and television for entertainment after a long day
• laundry room so they can wash clothes and approach each day feeling fresh
• playroom to provide some stimulation for siblings and give parents time with their other children
• toy closet so that every child has a toy, doll, game or book during their stay– even a birthday present
• salon where volunteers provide pampering services when stays mean they sometimes miss appointments or don’t prioritize self-care

If you or your group would like to help us keep these areas stocked with necessities, please view our wishlist.