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A family arriving to stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Temple
A family arriving to stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Temple

How to Stay

Everything a family needs to know before, during, and after a stay at the House.

To stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Temple, families must:

  • Have a patient 21 years or younger being treated at a Temple-area hospital.
  • Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by their parent or a legal guardian.
  • Live more than 25 miles from the Ronald McDonald House at 2415 South 47th Street, Temple, TX 76504.
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If you meet these qualifications, the next steps are:

  • Obtain a referral from your child’s assigned hospital case manager or social worker. A referral is not a “reservation” and does not guarantee availability; all referrals are submitted to Ronald McDonald House of Temple.
Hand drawn icon of family with heart
  • Ronald McDonald House Temple conducts a formal criminal history background check on all individuals applying for temporary residence. The safety of all Ronald McDonald House families is very important to us. We reserve the right to refuse admittance to any potential resident or guest with a criminal conviction, and do not admit anyone with a criminal felony conviction that may threaten the health, safety, welfare, and ability of other individuals to peacefully enjoy the House (e.g., violent crimes, domestic violence, child abuse, sex offenses, illegal drug activity, burglary and/or theft). We also will not admit any individual who provides false, incomplete, or misleading responses during the background check, and reserve the right to expel a guest for any other inappropriate, irresponsible, or criminal behavior while residing at the House.
  • Once the referral is received and verified, the family is placed on a waiting list for their arrival date. Rooms are assigned based on the severity and stability of the child’s condition, and distance from home. Please contact House staff concerning room availability prior to arrival. Occupancy limits per room range from 1 to 6 people depending on room.
  • All adults staying at the House must present a photo ID and complete the registration process prior to receiving accommodations. Guests under 18 must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
  • Rooms are provided for the purpose of keeping families close to their seriously ill or injured child during treatment. It is expected that families will spend the majority of their waking hours caring for and supporting their child.
  • Upon check-in, families receive our Guidelines and Expectations and a check-out task list, and sign a compliance agreement. Please allow 20–30 minutes for the initial check-in, and arrive together if possible.
  • Families gain considerable support from other guest families experiencing similar hardships. So every family has a positive experience, guest families who do not observe the rules will be asked to check out.
Contact the House
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Laundry Room

Large laundry room with supplies provided; please don’t leave clothes in machines.

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Breast Milk Storage

A freezer in the laundry room for guests to store expressed milk.

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Van Rides

Transportation to and from the hospital five times a day; schedule provided at check-in.

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Play Areas

Secured outdoor playground and an indoor playroom with video surveillance.

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Two Kitchens

Two kitchens with attached pantries; meals frequently prepared by outside groups. Free Wi-Fi throughout.

Check-Out and Housekeeping

Upon a child’s discharge from the hospital, families must visit the House office and begin the check-out process prior to leaving. Complete the check-out tasks noted in the Welcome Booklet — thoroughly clean the room, sweep and dust, clean the bathroom and empty wastebaskets. Return room key cards to the front desk ($25 charge per lost key).

While a donation of $20 per night is suggested, no family is turned away due to the inability to donate. 

The Ronald McDonald House does not have a housekeeping department. All families are required to clean and maintain their rooms on a regular basis; expectations and House rules are explained at check-in.

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A private guest bedroom at the Ronald McDonald House of Temple
House Rules

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