When a child is in the hospital, everything in a family’s life can change overnight. Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities (ARMHC) exists to make that incredibly hard time a little more manageable by providing a “home away from home” near Atlanta’s major children’s hospitals.
If you live in Atlanta, are visiting for your child’s medical care, or just want to understand how this resource works locally, this guide walks through what ARMHC does, where it is, who qualifies, and how you can use or support the Houses.
Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities is a local nonprofit that offers:
In Atlanta, the charity is closely connected with major children’s hospitals, especially Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) locations. The goal is simple: keep families close to their child and to the care they need, without the added burden of hotel costs or long commutes.
Atlanta has two main Ronald McDonald Houses serving families whose children are being treated at nearby hospitals.
This House is designed to serve families whose children are being treated at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Egleston and other nearby facilities.
Common features include:
This location is especially helpful for families whose child is in the Egleston pediatric hospital area or certain specialty clinics nearby.
The second House primarily serves families whose children receive care at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Scottish Rite.
Typical features are similar:
Families often choose this House when their child is admitted or scheduled for treatment at Scottish Rite or other medical centers on the north side of Atlanta.
| Topic | What to Know in Atlanta |
|---|---|
| Who can stay | Families of children receiving medical care in an Atlanta-area hospital |
| Priority | Families with children in critical or long-term care, or who live far from the hospital |
| Cost | Typically free or low-cost; donations may be encouraged but are not required |
| Referral needed? | Usually yes, from the hospital (e.g., social worker, case manager) |
| Length of stay | Based on the child’s treatment; varies and is reviewed regularly |
| Locations serve | Mainly CHOA Egleston and Scottish Rite, plus some other Atlanta-area pediatric care |
Policies can shift, so this table is a general guide, not a guarantee. Always verify directly with ARMHC or the hospital care team.
Eligibility in Atlanta usually centers on three key points:
The patient is a child or teen
Families are typically eligible when their child (or sometimes a high-risk expectant mother) is receiving treatment at a participating hospital in the Atlanta area.
The child is receiving care at an area hospital
Most families staying at an Atlanta Ronald McDonald House have children being treated at:
The family has a genuine need to stay close to the hospital
This may include:
Hospital social workers or case managers generally help determine whether a family meets the criteria and then help with the referral process.
Atlanta’s Ronald McDonald Houses are designed to feel more like a community home than a hotel. Families often find:
Stays are generally family-focused and supportive, with staff and volunteers on-site to help with questions and day-to-day needs. Organized meals or activities may be offered at times, but availability varies.
Most families describe the Houses as a place where they can:
If your child is being treated in Atlanta and you think you may need to stay at a Ronald McDonald House, the usual steps are:
Ask for:
Explain that your child is receiving care in Atlanta and you are interested in Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities.
The hospital staff will typically:
Because space can be limited, priority may be given to:
You may be asked for:
Once approved, the House staff will guide you through:
House rules exist to keep the environment safe, clean, and comfortable for all families, many of whom are under intense stress.
In Atlanta, Ronald McDonald Houses are typically free or offered at a very low nightly rate for eligible families. In many cases:
The aim is to remove financial barriers, especially for those already facing large medical expenses and travel costs. Always ask directly about current policies, as exact approaches to fees and donations can change.
In addition to the Houses, some Atlanta hospitals have Ronald McDonald Family Rooms inside or adjacent to patient care areas.
These spaces usually offer:
Family Rooms are especially helpful if:
Ask nursing staff or hospital family services for the nearest Ronald McDonald Family Room and its hours.
Here are some practical pointers if your child is getting care in Atlanta:
Ask early 🕒
As soon as you know your child may be admitted or scheduled for major treatment, talk to a social worker about Ronald McDonald House options.
Mention distance and hardship clearly
If you live outside Metro Atlanta, have transportation challenges, or major financial stress, explain this. It helps staff understand your need.
Pack light but smart
Bring:
Know your hospital’s location
Whether your child is at Egleston or Scottish Rite matters, because it influences which House and support services are available.
Use hospital and House staff as guides
They can help with:
If you live in Atlanta and want to help families who are here for their children’s medical care, there are several common ways to get involved with Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities:
Volunteer at a House or Family Room
Volunteers often help with:
Provide Meals or Food Donations
Some Atlanta groups and families prepare meals for House guests or contribute pantry items. Requirements for food safety and scheduling usually apply, so it’s best to confirm details first.
Donate Funds or Supplies
ARMHC typically accepts:
Organize Community Drives
Schools, workplaces, and faith communities across Atlanta sometimes run collection drives for items the Houses need regularly.
If you’re interested in any of these options, contact the organization directly to confirm what’s currently needed and how to participate appropriately.
Because addresses, phone numbers, and policies can change, the most reliable steps are:
Ask your child’s Atlanta hospital (Egleston, Scottish Rite, or another pediatric center) for:
Search for “Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities” along with “Egleston” or “Scottish Rite” to locate:
Once connected, staff can explain:
For families coming to Atlanta, Georgia for pediatric care, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities can be a crucial support system, offering a comfortable place to stay and a community that understands what you’re going through—just minutes from the hospital where your child is being treated.
