Conveniently located less than a mile from the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House of Burlington provides families with a clean, safe and comfortable place to stay during the hospitalization of a child. The House is staffed 24/7 with supportive professionals and dedicated volunteers.
How does staying at the House help families?
- The House is a clean and safe place to call home which reduces stress and financial burdens for families.
- Families enjoy home cooked, nutritious meals every evening and access to healthy Grab and Go lunches to take to the hospital. A beautiful kitchen and well-stocked pantry add to the comforts of home.
- House amenities include access to self-serve laundry, bed linens, towels, toiletries, play areas, bedrooms with private baths, and spaces to relax.
- There is no charge for staying at the Ronald McDonald House. We require a refundable $25.00 security deposit only.
How can I arrange to stay at the Ronald McDonald House?
- A referral must be made by the patient’s case manager or social worker at the hospital, and submitted to the Ronald McDonald House.
- A guest family must reside outside of Chittenden County in order to stay at the House.
- The patient receiving medical treatment must be 21 years of age or younger (or is a high risk pregnancy)
- All family members 18 years of age and older will need to complete a Background Check Authorization and pass a Background Check screening.
What is included?
- Guest families are provided with a private bedroom and private bathroom for the duration of their stay.
- Home cooked meals each evening.
- Fully equipped kitchen, access to snacks and breakfast / lunch items, coffee, tea and bottled water 24/7.
- Bed and bath linens are included.
- RMHC offers free wifi, free laundry machines, detergent and toiletries.
- Family rooms and areas to relax, common areas with cable TV, a dining room, and children’s play areas.
- 24-hour staffing and a secure environment.
- Off-street, free parking. For guests without a car, the House is located on the public bus route to the hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Ronald McDonald House provides a temporary “home away from home” for families of pediatric patients (age 21 and under) being treated at the UVM Children’s Hospital. Families who reside outside of Chittenden County, have a valid photo ID, and who successfully pass a background check are eligible to stay. High-risk pregnancy mothers who need to stay near the hospital are also eligible to stay. All referrals must be made by the family’s case manager or social worker at the hospital.
Our staff and volunteers are here to ensure that guest families are as comfortable as possible. Each guest family is provided with a bedroom and private bathroom (bed and bath linens included). Laundry facilities, a fully equipped kitchen, free parking, and home cooked meals each evening are all included. Breakfast foods, snacks, coffee, tea, bottled water and “to-go” lunches are provided. We are staffed 24/7. Hospital grade breast pumps are available for nursing mothers.
The House has 8 guest rooms and is spacious and comfortable. There are common areas with cable TV, a dining room, play areas for children (indoors and outdoors), a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable lounges, laundry facilities, free wi-fi, and free parking. Our certified therapy dog, Mike, is hypo-allergenic and adds a gentle presence to the House.
All reservations must be made by a hospital representative. If you are interested in staying at the Ronald McDonald House, please speak to your hospital case manager or social worker for a referral.
Families are not asked to pay anything to stay here. We do require a $25 security deposit for the room key, which is refundable upon checkout.
We have a waiting list and coordinate with the hospital to get families in as soon as space opens up in the House.
Families may occupy a room for up to 30 consecutive days. After 30 days, if families continue to meet the eligibility requirements, an extended stay may be requested.
Day and overnight visitors must have a valid photo ID. Any overnight visitors must pass a criminal background check and are responsible for the $2.00 cost associated with that screening.
Yes, we provide a delicious home cooked meal every evening. In addition, we offer an array of breakfast foods, homemade baked goods, fruit, snacks, coffee, tea, cocoa and bottled water 24/7. “Grab and Go” lunches are offered most days as well, for families to take with them to the hospital. Guests may store food items in our communal refrigerator or in the refrigerator located in their room.
Ronald McDonald House does not provide transportation for guests. However, we are located just one mile from the hospital, and the city public bus route is located right on our corner. Families may also speak with their case manager at the hospital regarding transportation options.
We do not provide childcare services. All guests under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Yes, we have a strict no smoking or vaping policy.
Our goal is for all guests to feel at home – safe and comfortable. A valid photo ID and background check is required for all guests. Key fob entry and security fencing / gated access is in place. We have a zero tolerance drug and weapon policy and a strict no smoking / vaping policy.