
Staying at RMHC CTX
Our House is your home
From the moment you enter our doors, we want your family to be comfortable. But most importantly, we want to provide you the comfort and support you need so you can focus on the most important thing — your child.
Staying at the Ronald McDonald House
To stay at the Ronald McDonald House, families must:
- Have a patient 21 years or younger that’s being treated at a Central Texas hospital.
- Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by their parent or a legal guardian
- Live more than 25 miles from the Ronald McDonald House located on 1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd. Austin, TX 78723
If you meet these qualifications, the next steps require you to:
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- Obtain a referral from your child’s assigned hospital case manager/social worker – A referral is not a “reservation” and does not guarantee availability; all referrals are submitted to RMHC CTX.
RMHC CTX conducts a formal criminal history background check on all individuals applying for temporary residence at RMHC CTX. The safety of all Ronald McDonald House (RMH) families is very important to us. RMHC CTX reserves the right to refuse admittance to any potential resident or guest with a criminal conviction. RMHC CTX does not admit anyone with a criminal felony conviction that may threaten the health, safety, welfare, and ability of other individuals to peacefully enjoy the RMH (e.g., violent crimes, domestic violence, child abuse, sex offenses, illegal drug activity, burglary and/or theft). RMHC CTX also will not admit any individual who provides false, incomplete, or misleading responses during the formal criminal history background check. RMHC CTX also reserves the right to expel a guest for any other inappropriate, irresponsible, or criminal behavior that takes place while temporarily residing at the RMH. - Wait for a confirmation – Once the referral is received, you will be contacted by RMHC CTX to discuss your request for accommodations.
- Check Availability – Because we are unable to take reservations, you must call 24 hours prior to your arrival date. While we make every effort, we may not be able to accommodate your family. If this is the case, we can provide you with alternative arrangement information.
- Obtain a referral from your child’s assigned hospital case manager/social worker – A referral is not a “reservation” and does not guarantee availability; all referrals are submitted to RMHC CTX.
Staying at our House –A $20 per night donation is requested and the first night’s stay is requested upon check-in. However, no family is turned away due to an inability to pay. If you have been referred by Medicaid, you must contact the Medicaid office to ensure RMHC CTX receives payment for your stay. More information will be provided at check in. Visit the map for directions to the Ronald McDonald House.
Check-In Procedure
- Families will be given a check-in appointment time. If check-in cannot occur during this time, please contact the RMHC CTX office at (512) 472-9844.
- All adults staying at the Ronald McDonald House must present photo IDs and complete the registration process prior to receiving accommodations.
- Upon check-in, families will receive our Guidelines and Expectations and a task check out list that must be completed. All families are required to sign a Compliance Agreement indicating their acknowledgment of our Guidelines and Expectations.
- New families are required to watch a check-in orientation video and will tour the Ronald McDonald House. Click here to view images of the Ronald McDonald House.
Check-Out Procedure
- Upon a child’s discharge from the hospital, families must visit the RMHC CTX office and begin the check out process prior to leaving.
- Families must complete the check out tasks noted in the Welcome Booklet; tasks include thoroughly cleaning the room, vacuuming and dusting, cleaning the bathroom and emptying wastebaskets.
- Room keys and key fobs must be returned to the front desk. If keys or fobs are lost, there will be a $10 charge per key.
- A suggested donation of $20 per night is encouraged upon check out.
Housekeeping
- The Ronald McDonald House does not have a housekeeping department. All families are required to clean and maintain their rooms on a regular basis. The expectations and House rules are explained upon check in.
Virtual Tour
- View a virtual tour of our House here.
Visiting the Ronald McDonald Family Room
The Ronald McDonald Family Rooms are available and free to families with children in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units in Austin at Dell Children’s Medical Center, St. David Medical Center, St. David’s Women’s Center of Texas and Seton Medical Center Austin. Ronald McDonald Family Rooms are also available in the Brazos Valley at CHI St. Joseph Health in Bryan, Texas, and College Station Medical Center in College Station, Texas.
The Family Room at Dell Children’s Medical Center has two sleeping rooms; the Family Room located at St. David’s Medical Center has four sleeping rooms; Seton Medical Center Austin has four sleeping rooms and our Family Room at CHI St. Joseph Health has two sleeping rooms available for eligible families. To stay in a Family Room sleeping room:
- Families must have a child in the hospital where the Family Room is located
- Families must speak with their nurse or social worker who will determine the family’s eligibility to stay in a sleeping room
Helpful Links for Families
DISCLAIMER: The resources and organizations listed below are not programs of RMHC CTX nor do they represent RMHC in any capacity. This list only serves to provide RMHC CTX guests with local resources that provide additional services other than those offered by RMHC CTX.
Alternative Lodging Resources – Click Here for accommodations list
This link provides information on discounted lodging located near the Ronald McDonald House. For an accessible version of alternative lodging resources, please contact info@rmhc-ctx.org.
Child Care at Promiseland Learning Center – Click Here to learn more
If you are in need of Child Care during your stay at the Ronald McDonald House, Promiseland Learning Center has offered to provide discounted rates for RMHC CTX guests during their child’s treatment. Promiseland Learning Center is located 0.35 miles from the Ronald McDonald House – within walking distance.
Rates
Call Promiseland Learning Center to learn more about how to get these rates.
- $100 enrollment fee WAIVED for RMHC CTX guests
- Infants and toddlers – up to 2 years old ($30/day)
- Preschool age – 3,4 and 5 years old ($25/day)
Contact Information
Location: 1504 East 51st Street, Austin, TX 78723
Phone: (512) 220-6381
Create a Family Fundraising Page – Click Here to learn more
Help RMHC CTX continue to provide comfort for thousands of families like yours by creating a personal fundraising page to raise funds on our behalf.
Children’s Health Encyclopedia – Click Here to learn more
View Dell Children’s Medical Center “Children’s Health Encyclopedia” health sheets written specifically for patients. The health sheets cover diseases, conditions, diagnoses and treatments, surgeries and procedures, and wellness and safety for people of all ages and walks of life.
Create a Caring Bridge Page – Click Here to learn more
By creating a Caring Bridge site, you can keep your family and friends informed and engaged with your child’s medical journey.
Texas Parent to Parent – Click Here to learn more
Texas Parent to Parent empowers families to be strong advocated through parent-to-parent support, resource referral and education.
RMHC CTX Healing Hearts Program – Click Here to learn more
Healing Hearts help families who have lost children due to illness or injury. Through our Healing Hearts program, families are provided burial assistance and bereavement counseling.
Heroes for Children – Click Here to learn more
Heroes for Children is committed to helping families relieve some of the strain and stress during this difficult time in their lives.
Hand to Hold – Click Here to learn more
Hand to Hold supports families of preemies, babies with special needs and infant loss.
Aunt Bertha- Click Here to learn more
Aunt Bertha connects people to programs such as food, health, housing, job training and more.
Austin Resource Guide for Children with Special Needs – Click Here to learn more
The Austin Area Resource Guide is intended to provide parents with a start in locating resources and services for children with disabilities.
Angel’s of Care Pediatric Home Health – Click Here to learn more
Angels of Care Pediatric Home Health is a nurse owned and operated home health agency with experienced and knowledgeable staff serving the special needs community of Texas.
Circle of Care Pediatric Home Health Services – Click Here to learn more
Circle of Care Pediatric Home Health Services provides pediatric home therapy including speech, physical and occupational therapy across most major Texas cities and outlying area.
River Rock Dental – Click Here to learn more
River Rock Dental is a pediatric and adult dentist office located near the Mueller HEB.
YouCaring — Click Here to learn more
Compassionate crowdfunding, providing free fundraising and support for humanitarian causes.

Make a Room Donation
Your small donation makes a big difference. Every day families walk in our doors needing a place to stay near their hospitalized children. Your donation today pays for a room at Austin’s Ronald McDonald House for one family tonight. Donate today to make the difference for the next family who walks in our doors.