FAQs
About RMHC-CNI
What is RMHC-CNI?
RMHC-CNI is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) Illinois corporation that is the local chapter of the Global RMHC organization. Starting with our first Ronald McDonald House in 1977, today we are very proud to have three major program components within our Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana organization, all of which are further detailed in this information:
- Three Ronald McDonald Houses
- A Ronald McDonald Care Mobile that provides dental care to children
- A robust and vibrant granting and scholarship program
Regardless of the program, our focus is on “making the lives of children and their families better” in our area. We have a Board of Directors that represent a vast array of interests associated with our mission, a professional and dedicated small staff and an army of compassionate volunteers. We are very proud to be closely associated and collaborate with the McDonald’s Owners and Operators of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, as well as the McDonald’s Corporation.
We hope that you’ll take a moment and read our brochure to understand a little bit more about what we do, where we do it and how we go about it. And we’d love it if you would join us on our journey as we seek to help those in less fortunate circumstances so that we might make our communities a better place to live!
What is RMHC-CNI’s Mission?
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana is a leader in making the lives of children and their families better by operating Ronald McDonald Houses which provide a home away from home for the families of children being treated at local hospitals, operating Ronald McDonald Care Mobiles, and funding grants for other youth organizations. RMHC CNI is supported by the McDonald’s family which includes owner-operators, suppliers, staff, volunteers and generous donors.
What is RMHC-CNI’s Vision?
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana will be the area’s most recognized and respected charity dedicated to improving the education, health and well-being of children.
What our RMHC-CNI’s Values?
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana strives to reach out to all children in need in a caring, compassionate way.
Do you have proof of non-profit status from the IRS?
We do! In fact, you can click here to download a copy of our 501(c)3 letter from the IRS.
For Families Who May Stay With Us
Will I have access to a kitchen?
Yes. Our Houses have community kitchens fully equipped with all the plates, glasses, pots and pans and silverware you’ll need. We also have House pantries full of delicious non-perishable items that have been generously donated. Several volunteer groups also visit the Houses during the week to prepare home-cooked meals for the families.
Will I have access to a laundry room?
Yes. Our Houses have 24-hour laundry rooms with washing machines and dryers. The machines are available to all registered families and are free of charge. Detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets are also provided.
Do the bedrooms have telephones and voicemail?
Yes. Each guest bedroom has its own telephone and voicemail system. Messages can be left in voicemail when your family is out of the House. Local calls can be made from the bedroom phones, but all other calls require using a calling card which is provided at check in.
How do I get a room at a House?
At each house, first-time families must get a referral from the hospital admitting or social work department. Because it is hard to know when rooms will become available, families wishing to stay at RMH near Children's Memorial Hospital are placed on a waiting list and are asked to call on their day of arrival to check on availability. Returning families may call the House directly to be placed on the daily wait list. RMH near Loyola University Medical Center and RMH near University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital rarely use wait lists, but ask new and returning families to call the House 24 hours prior to their arrival to check availability and reserve a room.
Can my family stay at the House with me?
Yes. The Houses are available to families whose children are receiving at least every-other-day treatment at the hospital. Our rooms range in size and can accommodate between 1 to 4 people. Parents, grandparents, siblings and extended family are welcome to stay, but at RMH near Children's Memorial Hospital and RMH near University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, families can only be given one room. At RMH near Loyola University Medical Center, nuclear families with more than four members are given an additional room.
Do I have to bring my own linens?
No. The Houses are happy to provide you with towels and bed linens. We do ask families to wash their linens prior to check-out so they are ready for the next family to use.
What is the charge and what if I can’t pay?
We ask families to pay $5 per night. Because it actually costs over $50 per night to operate a room, donations of more are always welcome. If families are unable to pay the room charge, arrangements can be made between the House Manager and the hospital social worker. No family is ever turned away because of their inability to pay.
Are the Houses wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The Houses each have elevators that run between floors, and large bathrooms equipped to accommodate wheelchairs. Not all rooms are wheelchair accessible, however, so proper accomodations should be requested when reserving a room.
Can I have visitors at the House?
Yes. Visitors are welcome but they must sign in at the office. Visiting hours vary from House to House and you should check with the individual House Manager.
