The idea behind the Orange County Ronald McDonald House is simple: provide a comfortable and affordable "home away from home" for families shouldering the burdens associated with a child who is being treated at a nearby hospital.
Some children must travel great distances to get the medical attention they need. Hospital treatments may last a day, a month or more than a year. For the families of these children, affordable accommodations are few and far between. Often, they are limited to costly hotels or unforgiving hospital chairs.
The Orange County Ronald McDonald House offers a comfortable, supportive and affordable alternative for these families. It’s a temporary home near their child’s hospital where they can sleep, eat, relax and find encouragement from others. It is much more than just a nice place to stay. It helps to anchor families in very trying times. It can reduce stress by providing a venue where people can talk things out with others who are wrestling with the same issues.
The actual cost for one family per night is approximately $150. However, families are asked to pay only $10 per day. If that isn’t possible, their stay is free. For this reason, the Orange County Ronald McDonald House seeks the support of individuals, foundations, corporations and service groups.
It takes more than windows and walls, kitchens and bathrooms to make a House a home. Dedicated volunteers help us keep our doors open around the clock, 365 days a year. This allows our guest families to focus on one thing--the health of their child.
The Orange County Ronald McDonald House keeps families together when it counts the most. It helps relieve the stress of finding and affording someplace to stay. And, it helps families remain physically and emotionally strong when they need it most. It is The House That Love Built and filled with hope.
