Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities: How It Helps Families in Atlanta

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.

What Is Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities?

Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities is a local nonprofit that offers:

• Free or low-cost housing for families with children receiving medical treatment in Atlanta
• Supportive spaces inside hospitals where families can rest, recharge, and stay close to their child
• Programs and services designed to ease the financial and emotional stress of having a seriously ill or injured child

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.

Where Are the Ronald McDonald Houses in Atlanta?

Atlanta has two main Ronald McDonald Houses serving families whose children are being treated at nearby hospitals.

1. Atlanta Ronald McDonald House near Egleston

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:

• Private family bedrooms
• Shared kitchens and dining areas
• Laundry facilities
• Playrooms and family lounges
• Shuttle or easy access to the hospital (policies and services can vary, so confirm when you call)

This location is especially helpful for families whose child is in the Egleston pediatric hospital area or certain specialty clinics nearby.

2. Atlanta Ronald McDonald House near Scottish Rite

The second House primarily serves families whose children receive care at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Scottish Rite.

Typical features are similar:

• Private or semi-private family rooms
• Family-style kitchen and dining space
• Quiet areas for rest
• Children’s play spaces and activity rooms
• Short travel distance to Scottish Rite

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.

At-a-Glance: How the Atlanta Ronald McDonald Houses Work

Policies can shift, so this table is a general guide, not a guarantee. Always verify directly with ARMHC or the hospital care team.

Who Is Eligible to Use Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities?

Eligibility in Atlanta usually centers on three key points:

1. 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.

2. The child is receiving care at an area hospital
   Most families staying at an Atlanta Ronald McDonald House have children being treated at:

   • Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Egleston
   • Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Scottish Rite
   • Occasionally other Atlanta-area pediatric facilities, depending on ARMHC guidelines

3. The family has a genuine need to stay close to the hospital
   This may include:

   • Living too far from Atlanta to commute daily
   • Having a child in intensive care or long-term treatment
   • A medical situation that requires the family to be immediately available

Hospital social workers or case managers generally help determine whether a family meets the criteria and then help with the referral process.

What Is It Like to Stay at a Ronald McDonald House in Atlanta?

Atlanta’s Ronald McDonald Houses are designed to feel more like a community home than a hotel. Families often find:

• Private bedrooms for rest and privacy
• Shared kitchens where families can cook their own meals
• Common living spaces with couches, TVs, and quiet corners
• Laundry rooms so families can wash clothes during long stays
• Playrooms or activity rooms for siblings and young patients when they’re able
• Outdoor spaces (where available) to get fresh air

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:

• Sleep and shower close to the hospital
• Store and prepare food
• Take brief breaks from the hospital environment
• Connect with other families going through similar experiences

How to Get a Room: Referral and Check-In Process

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:

1. Talk to Your Hospital Team

Ask for:

• A social worker
• A case manager
• A patient navigator or family services representative

Explain that your child is receiving care in Atlanta and you are interested in Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities.

2. Request a Referral

The hospital staff will typically:

• Confirm that your child’s treatment qualifies
• Contact ARMHC on your behalf
• Check whether space is available at the House nearest your child’s hospital

Because space can be limited, priority may be given to:

• Families with critically ill children
• Those traveling from outside the Atlanta region
• Longer or more complex treatment cases

3. Complete Any Required Information

You may be asked for:

• Your identification
• Basic information about your child’s hospital stay
• Emergency contact information
• Agreement to House rules (such as quiet hours, safety guidelines, and visitor policies)

4. Check-In at the House

Once approved, the House staff will guide you through:

• Check-in times and procedures
• Parking and transportation options
• Use of shared spaces like kitchens and laundry
• Policies around visitors, children, and overnight guests

House rules exist to keep the environment safe, clean, and comfortable for all families, many of whom are under intense stress.

Cost: How Much Does It Cost to Stay?

In Atlanta, Ronald McDonald Houses are typically free or offered at a very low nightly rate for eligible families. In many cases:

• Families are not required to pay if they cannot afford it.
• Donations are sometimes welcomed but optional, depending on the situation.

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.

Ronald McDonald Family Rooms Inside Atlanta Hospitals

In addition to the Houses, some Atlanta hospitals have Ronald McDonald Family Rooms inside or adjacent to patient care areas.

These spaces usually offer:

• A quiet place to sit, rest, or decompress
• Snacks or simple refreshments
• A small kitchen or microwave
• Comfortable chairs, couches, or recliners
• Sometimes showers or laundry facilities

Family Rooms are especially helpful if:

• You live in the Atlanta area but still need a place to regroup during long hospital days
• Your child is in critical care and you don’t want to leave the floor for long
• You don’t qualify for or don’t need overnight housing at a Ronald McDonald House

Ask nursing staff or hospital family services for the nearest Ronald McDonald Family Room and its hours.

Tips for Atlanta Families Using the Houses

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:

  • Comfortable clothes
  • Toiletries
  • Any medications you take
  • Chargers and important documents
    Many household items (like kitchenware) are available at the House.

• 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:

  • Directions
  • Parking info
  • Late check-in questions
  • Local resources such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and transit near the House

For Atlanta Residents: Ways to Support ARMHC

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:

  • Front desk support
  • Organizing supplies
  • Light housekeeping tasks
  • Hosting or supporting family activities (as allowed by policy)

• 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:

  • Monetary donations
  • New household items, cleaning supplies, or toiletries
  • Gift cards that can be used for groceries or gas for families

• 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.

How to Find Current Contact Information in Atlanta

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:

  • The nearest Ronald McDonald House
  • Up-to-date contact information
  • The correct referral process

• Search for “Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities” along with “Egleston” or “Scottish Rite” to locate:

  • The official local website
  • Current phone numbers and office location details

Once connected, staff can explain:

• Which House serves your child’s hospital
• How to get a room or use a Family Room
• What to bring, where to park, and when to arrive

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.