In the beginning, a group of concerned parents collaborated to form the Ronald McDonald House of Burlington and opened the doors for the first time on February 14, 1984. The First Congregational Church graciously offered their unoccupied parsonage to the founding committee for a 20-year lease at $1.00 a year. With the community’s gracious donations of furniture, wallpaper, paint and volunteers to do the labor, we created what is known as Vermont’s “House That Love Built.“
Our House:
- 11 private bedrooms, including 4 suites that include private bathroom.
- 5 common area bathrooms
- Living room
- Dining room
- Kitchen
- Laundry Facilities
- Parking
- Playroom
- Activity Room
- Guest Lounge
- Home-cooked meals nearly every night
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 ill or injured children seeking medical treatment at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital.
Staying at Ronald McDonald House
It is our goal to provide a relaxing place filled with support during our guest’s 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 will get their next meal or where they will lay their head at night to rest. We believe that when a child is hospitalized the love and support of family is as powerful as the strongest medicine prescribed. Reservations are based on medical necessity and availability.
Eligibility:
- Family members supporting a child at the UVM Children’s Hospital are eligible to stay at Ronald McDonald House if;
- Patient is 21 years of age or under (or is a High Risk pregnancy)
- Referral from a medical professional is submitted and we have availability.
- Any guest under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
To make a reservation, we must first receive a referral from a medical professional. You can ask a social/case worker, nurse or medical office to call and make a referral on your behalf (802) 862-4943.
Fees:
We do not ask families to pay to stay at RMHC. We do require a $25 refundable security/damage deposit. We reserve the right to charge additional cleaning and/or damage fees.
House Guidelines:
Please let staff know of any special needs or requests.
Kitchen: Guests are welcome to anything in the kitchen unless otherwise labeled. Please label all food you bought and do not wish to share. The label should include your name, the date and room number. Unmarked food may be thrown out. Please remember to throw away/compost your food before checking-out. Food and drink are allowed in the kitchen and dining rooms only. There is no food or drinks allowed in guest rooms.
Laundry: Washers and dryers are located in the basement of the Ronald McDonald House. Detergent is available in the laundry room. The Ronald McDonald Family Room also has washer and dryers available on Baird 5 of the Children’s Hospital for your convenience.
Quiet Hours: 9pm until 9 am are quiet hours at the House. That being said, we request that the 2nd and 3rd floor always remain quiet as guests are on very different sleeping schedules.
No Smoking or Vaping: Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited indoors and on the entire RMHC property and church property next door. You may be asked to leave if this rule is broken.
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 smoking marijuana indoors or on the property.
Room Checks: Every Friday between 10am and 3pm staff will perform room inspections and safety checks. RMHC Staff and volunteers reserve the right to inspect your room at anytime.
Entry: Guests must have a key fob to enter the 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 arrive for all adult visitors. All unregistered visitors must be approved by staff. All guests and visitors over 18 MUST have a valid ID upon arrival adult visitors.