How to Stay

The following information applies only to the Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia.

Although every Ronald McDonald House Chapter operates under similar guidelines, you will find that each Ronald McDonald House has its own personality.

The Ronald McDonald House is a "Home-Away-From-Home" for families whose children are undergoing treatment in Central Georgia hospitals and medical facilities. Our goal is to provide temporary, affordable, and quality housing in a comfortable, caring environment. Our policies and procedures were developed to support this goal. The Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia is operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Georgia.

Any person who stays at the Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia must be able to peacefully interact with others in a community household environment. He/she must agree to abide by House rules and to help keep the House clean and orderly.

Who qualifies to stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia?

The patient's family must reside outside of Bibb County and have a child eighteen (18) years of age or younger receiving treatment at one of our referring hospitals or medical facilities. All guests over the age of 18 must pass a background check and have a photo ID. Please see a social worker or case manager for further eligibility requirements.

RMHC staff verifies treatment and periodically reviews the status of the patient's treatment to determine continued eligibility. Ronald McDonald House Charities welcomes families regardless of race, religion, nationality, gender or abilities. Exceptions to the guidelines may be made at the discretion of RMHC staff.

How can I make arrangements to stay at the Ronald McDonald House?

All families must be referred by a social worker, doctor or nurse at the Macon pediatric facility at which they are or will be receiving treatment. Contact a social worker, case manager, or nurse to request a referral.

What is the cost of staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia?

Families are asked to make a nightly room donation of $20.00. Payment can be made by cash, check, Visa, American Express, MasterCard or Discover. The Program Manager may, at her discretion, make payment arrangements to accommodate families who are unable to make the requested donation. Donations from families help offset the cost of food, cleaning, internet, and household supplies. The actual cost of housing a family for one night is $125.

What time can I check into the Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia?

Families can check in between the hours of 8am and 8pm. If a family needs to check in outside our normal times, please contact us for more information.

Check in takes 30 - 40 minutes, so please plan accordingly. All adults staying in the room must present a valid photo ID, pass a background check, and complete the registration process before being shown to their room.

What are the House Guidelines?

A Ronald McDonald House is not a hotel but instead is a communal living environment and as such, may not be an appropriate arrangement for everyone. At the Ronald McDonald House of Central Georgia, 30 families share common living space, including a kitchen, dining area, den, laundry facilities, and play areas. All guests are dependent upon each other to keep our House safe, clean and operating smoothly.

ALCOHOL is not permitted on the premises, includes the parking lot and outside area.

SMOKING and all tobacco products are strictly prohibited inside the House. An outside smoking area is provided.

PETS, ILLEGAL DRUGS, FIREARMS and OTHER WEAPONS are forbidden (no exceptions).

FOOD is permitted ONLY in the kitchen and dining room. Guests are asked to clean after themselves after eating. Only water is permitted in the guest rooms - this helps us keep our rooms clean and sanitary for future families.

RESIDENTS must respect the privacy and personal property of everyone in the House, as well as the privacy, property and operations of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Georgia. RMHC staff reserves the right to enter and inspect all rooms at any time.

DISHES, for purpose of sanitation, must be washed in a dishwasher. All families are asked to start dishwashers when they are full and to unload when the cycle is finished. Guests are expected to help keep the kitchen tidy.

CHILDREN: An adult is required to supervise children under age 16 at all times and are responsible for the behavior of children in the House.

Disruptive behavior is not tolerated.

All guests must wear shirts and shoes at all times in the public areas.

Upon check out, families are asked to clean the room.

A family is eligible to remain at the House as long as their child is in active treatment at a local hospital or medical facility, and they follow all guidelines. Upon check-in families are given a complete copy of the Guidelines. Failure to adhere to the guidelines will result in dismissal.

More than just a place to sleep, the Ronald McDonald House provides a warm, safe and comfortable home for sick children and their families. To do this, the Ronald McDonald House relies on the love, sharing and caring of hundreds of generous donors and volunteers from the community. We welcome you to "The House that Love Built".