In the early 1980s, a group of parents and other caring individuals in Vermont collaborated to form the Ronald McDonald House of Burlington. The city’s First Congregational Church graciously provided an unoccupied parsonage to the founding committee, offering them a 20-year lease on the building for just $1.00 a year. Through the generosity and planning of hundreds of volunteers, parents, and community members, the “House That Love Built” became a reality, opening its doors on February 14, 1984.
Our House:
- 10 private bedrooms, including 4 suites with private baths
- Living room
- Dining room
- Commercial-grade kitchen
- Laundry facilities
- Off-street parking
- Playroom
- Activity room
- Guest lounge
- Home-cooked meals every night, lunches to-go, and self-serve breakfasts
Most of our guest families come from Vermont and northern New York State; however, we have had families and individuals from 39 other states and several foreign countries. All of our guests have a child receiving medical treatment at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital.
Staying at the Ronald McDonald House
It is our goal to provide a relaxing home-like environment filled with support during our guests’ time of need. Our House is built on the simple idea that nothing else should matter when a family is focused on the health of their child – not where they can afford to stay, where they’ll get their next meal, or where they’ll lay their head to rest. We believe that when a child is hospitalized, the love and support of family is a powerful positive influence in their recovery. Reservations to stay at the House are based on medical necessity and room availability.
Eligibility:
Family members supporting a child at the UVM Children’s Hospital are eligible to stay at the Ronald McDonald House if;
- The patient is 21 years of age or under (or is a high-risk pregnancy)
- A referral from a medical professional is submitted to our staff, and we have availability
- Family members over 21 years of age (who plan to stay at the House) pass a criminal background check
- An adult must accompany any guest under 18 years of age at all times
Please note: The first step in securing a room at the Ronald McDonald House is to talk to your child’s case manager at the hospital. A case manager or medical professional must make all referrals.
Fees:
We do not ask families to pay to stay at the Ronald McDonald House. . Our services are free of charge. We require a $25 refundable security deposit to cover any potential damage. We reserve the right to charge additional cleaning and/or damage fees if necessary.
House Guidelines:
Please let our staff know of any special needs or requests.
Kitchen: Guests are welcome to anything in the kitchen unless otherwise labeled.
Food and drinks are allowed in the kitchen and dining room only. Food and beverages are not permitted in guest rooms.
Please label any food you bring that you do not wish to share. The label should include your name, the date, and your room number. Unmarked food may be thrown out. Please throw away/compost your unwanted food before checking out.
Laundry: Washers, dryers, and detergent are located in the basement of the Ronald McDonald House. The Ronald McDonald Family Room also has washers and dryers available (on Baird 5 of the Children’s Hospital).
Quiet Hours: 9 pm until 9 am are quiet hours at the House. We kindly request that the 2nd and 3rd floors remain as peaceful as possible, as guests have very different sleep schedules.
No Smoking or Vaping: Smoking and vaping of any kind are strictly prohibited indoors and on the entire Ronald McDonald House property and church property next door. You may be asked to leave if this rule is broken. Smoking and vaping must be done off property.
Drug Policy: We have a Zero Tolerance Drug Policy. We reserve the right to ask guests to leave under any suspicion of drug use, paraphernalia or activity. This includes using marijuana indoors or on the property.
No Weapons: Weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited.
Room Checks: Every Friday between 10 am and 3 pm, staff will perform room inspections and safety checks. RMHC Staff and volunteers reserve the right to inspect your room at any time.
Secure Entry: Guests must have a key fob to enter the property and building. Guests are not allowed to answer the door. All unregistered visitors must be approved by staff, and a photo ID must be photocopied upon arrival for all adult visitors. All guests and visitors over 18 MUST have a valid ID upon arrival.