Patient and Family Lodging: Ronald McDonald House
The Ronald McDonald House of Charlottesville (RMH-C) is a non-profit organization that provides a temporary home-away-from-home for families whose children are receiving treatment for a serious illness or injury in Charlottesville. In an effort to lessen the burden, reduce stress, keep the family intact, and enhance the quality of life for these families, RMHC-C provides affordable housing in a caring home-like atmosphere. RMH-C assists families whose child under the age of 21 is receiving medical care at the University of Virginia Children's Hospital or another area hospital, and the family resides approximately 60 miles or more from RMH-C. Only blocks from the University of Virginia Medical Center, RMH-C accommodates up to 19 families, for overnight, or for an extended time. There are handicap accessible accommodations. Each family has a private bedroom and bath, and the House provides sheets, towels, basic food items, wi-fit, and 24-hour staffing in a secure building. Families have use of a fully equipped kitchen, laundry room for personal laundry, play room with toys and games, a sitting area with television, books and magazines; dining area, guest computer, phone for local calls, and outdoor space for all to share. There is free shuttle service to UVA Hospital, and a parking lot for a family's car. The meal donation program offers dinners on some days, and each family has its own refrigerated and pantry storage space.