Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh
Since opening in 1979, Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh has provided comfort, care and support to thousands of families traveling to the Pittsburgh area seeking medical care for their children.
The following admission policies have been established to ensure a safe and supportive environment for the families we serve. Admission policies are subject to change.
- Families must complete an online application as well as a criminal background check for persons 18 and older.
- Upon confirmation of a room/apartment, check-in appointments will be provided to the family.
- Anyone who is experiencing ANY signs of illness will be required to wear a face mask/covering while in the common areas of the House and interacting with others.
- Ensure hand washing, sanitizing and/or wearing of gloves before utilizing main kitchen and laundry facilities.
74 Family Apartments
The Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh provides 74 single family apartments.
750 Guests
Each year 750 families stay at the Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh.
40 Miles
Families must live 40 miles or more from the Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh in order to stay there.
Available Services
Awake staff available around the clock, 24/7 laundry facilities with laundry supplies provided, linen services including sheets and towels, and common areas including living room, kitchen, dining room, teen lounge, and game room.
Meals & Pantry
Approximately 5 meals are provided each week by volunteers and our pantries full of comfort foods are available
Convenient Access
Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh is conveniently connected to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Families are just an elevator ride away from their children.
Requirements to Stay
- All families must have a permanent residence and live 40 miles or more from the Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh.
- A family must have a child that is currently in treatment and is newborn to 21 years of age.
- The child must be an active patient receiving medical treatment at Pittsburgh medical centers.
- Anyone over the age of 18 must have valid photo ID.
- Prior to arrival, all parents/guardians must have an approved criminal background check.
Who May Stay
- Any family member or guardian who provides care and support for the child. One apartment per family – maximum of 4 persons per apartment.
- All overnight guests and day visitors must have an approved criminal background check.
Admission Process
- A referral must be obtained from a clinical professional validating the child is in treatment. The referral form to be completed will be given at the time of registration to Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh.
- All families must go through the room request process and all guests must complete a criminal background check to determine eligibility.
- An eligible family is placed on a wait list. This does not guarantee an apartment. The availability depends on the discharge of families currently residing at Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh.
- Confirmation is made only on the date of arrival.
- If an apartment is not available on the requested date, families will remain on the wait list until an apartment is open.
- Once confirmed, a House representative will schedule a check-in time.
Request a Room
- To request housing at Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh, a family member or guardian must contact the Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh via phone call or online form to be placed on the wait list. Please call 412-362-3400 or begin the online registration process.
- A representative of Ronald McDonald House Pittsburgh will contact you with apartment availability.
- Unfortunately, due to the nature of the care of the patient, apartments cannot be guaranteed in advance. A family’s length of stay is often uncertain; instead, a family’s name is placed on a wait list for their day of arrival. Apartments are assigned daily as they become available.
Requested Contribution
- Guests are asked to make a $20 contribution per night but no family is turned away regardless of their inability to pay.
- Financial aid is reviewed by management on an individual basis.
