Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western WA & AK Programs
The Seattle Ronald McDonald House has 80 rooms and provides more than 28,000 nights of stay annually. Families have their own room and access to shared spaces like kitchens, pantries, laundry facilities and play areas, as well as support from other families living at the House, volunteers and staff. We ask families to pay $25 per night when they stay with us, but most cannot afford this. Donations allow us to waive fees and accept families, regardless of their ability to pay.
In late 2007, RMHC launched a transportation service in Anchorage, AK. When families throughout Alaska must temporarily stay in Anchorage to get care for their children, they often do so without a car. Getting to appointments, pharmacies or the grocery store can become a major chore. Now, the RMHC van program is there to help. In 2010, the van provided 2,773 trips to 3,392 people.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
In our annual housing survey, families' #1 request was more meals provided by volunteers. This year, with help from numerous local companies, church groups, families and friends, we have doubled weekly volunteer prepared dinners in both of our kitchens from two to four. Now, instead of worrying about what to make for dinner after a long day at the hospital, families have more time to spend together over a warm meal and to gain support from others who can relate to their situation.
When families stay with us, we ask them to pay $25 per night. However, many are unable to pay. Monetary donations from the community allow us to waive fees and accept families, regardless of their ability to pay. A gift of $25 pays for one night, $175 a week, $750 a month, $4,500 six months and $9,000 one year. We are also in need of in-kind items to help our families. Our website wish list contains our most up-to-date needs: http://www.rmhcseattle.org/content/wish-list.