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Guest Eligibility Requirements 

Who can stay at our Ronald McDonald Houses? 

Families eligible to stay: 

  • Have a child 21 years of age or younger
  • Live more than 25 miles (based on Rand McNally- shortest distance) from the House
  • Have a child receiving active treatment at a local Philadelphia hospital, including inpatient treatment or outpatient treatment- defined by at least one appointment or a minimum of 3 appointments a week for an ongoing stay. Families may check in one day before the first appointment and may check out one day after the last.
  • Are up to date on vaccinations (measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, unless they were diagnosed with it in the past), unless medically exempt. Documentation of medical exemption may be requested

Important notes: 

  • Caregivers 21 or under must have a support person (22 years or older) with them throughout their stay. This process is reviewed and supported by the Social Work Department.
  • Pregnant mothers undergoing fetal surgery and mothers with high-risk pregnancies are eligible to stay prior to the birth of the patient. All fetal and high-risk pregnant mothers are required to have a support person (22 or older) and to complete a Birth Plan and Fetal Contract.
  • Patients who are receiving organ transplants (i.e. heart, lung) at the time of request do not qualify to stay at the House. This includes patients who are on the transplant list and/or are receiving post-transplant care. Patients who are in the evaluation process are eligible to stay until they are officially on the transplant list. These families will be referred to the Gift of Life House by our Social Work team.
  • International families must be referred by a hospital social worker, staff member, or by a global organization (Global Medicine, Global Medical Relief Fund) and must provide a copy their VISA and/or Passport at check-in.

The health and safety of our guests, volunteers, and staff are our highest priority. RMHC reserves the right to refuse admittance based on potential threat of health, safety, and welfare of our House community.

  • All adults 18 and older (including the patient) must fill out a criminal background check prior to staying at the House. RMHC, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to refuse admittance to any potential guest based on these results.
  • RMHC does not admit anyone with a conviction that may threaten the health, safety, welfare, and ability of other individuals to peacefully enjoy the House. Family Support Services reviews each individual and family case, and we encourage individuals to reach out with any questions or concerns about this process.
  • RMHC also will not admit any individual who provides false, incomplete, or misleading responses during the formal criminal history background check process.
  • We value honesty and transparency when discussing the contents of open Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders, and open Children and Youth Services (CYS) cases. RMHC, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to refuse admittance to any potential guest with an open PFA or CYS case.