Ronald McDonald House of Denver & Aurora admissions criteria

 
The Denver Ronald McDonald House is known as the "House that Love Built." Here you will find not only a comfortable place to live while here in the metro area, but you will find support, care, understanding and compassion from staff, volunteers and other families staying at the house. For these reasons and many more, it quickly feels like home.
 
Our hope is that you find one of the Ronald McDonald Houses to be a pleasant and comfortable "home-away-from-home" while your child aged 18 years old or younger is receiving medical treatment in the hospital or in outpatient care.
 
The Ronald McDonald Houses serve families with a seriously ill or injured child being treated at a Denver area hospital. Families wishing to stay at the House must live at least 60 miles outside of Denver. No more than 2 children aged 18 years old or younger may accompany a parent or parents residing at the Ronald McDonald House.
 
While here, families are asked to pay a nominal fee of $15/night. This is important because it helps contribute to the greater cost of housing families every night. Guests may speak to the House Manager if they need to make special payment arrangements. No family will be turned away due to inability to pay.
 
Each family who stays at the House is given a private room which accomodates up to 4 people. Each room has two double beds, a private bathroom and phone with voicemail and a private number. Other furniture includes a nightstand, rocking chair and dresser. Cots and cribs are available if needed. Residents also have access to two fully equipped kitchens, a living room, libraries, computer/video game rooms, TV rooms with cable and VCRs, playrooms, dining rooms and free laundry facilities.

Ronald McDonald House of Denver & Aurora admissions procedures

You may call THE DAY YOU PLAN TO ARRIVE in order to inquire about room availability. The front desk phone numbers for the Denver House is 303-832-2667 and for the Aurora House is 720-324-2400. Advanced reservations will not be accepted under any circumstances. Due to the unpredictable nature of medical treatment, we are unable to forsee how many rooms will be available each day.
 
If a room is available, you will be asked to register by 5:00 pm that day and no earlier than 9:00 am. If this is not possible, special arrangements can be made with the House Manager.
 
When you check in, you will be asked to provide a $25.00 cleaning deposit. This will be returned to you when you check out if you clean your room and return all keys and other materials.
 
The charge is $15/night to stay here at the House. If necessary, please contact the House Manager to make special payment arrangements.
 
Remember, only 4 people are permitted to stay in a room. Of these 4, ONLY 2 children are allowed per room and only one room is allowed per family.

KEEPING IN TOUCH

When you check into the Ronald McDonald House you will be given your own phone number. This will allow family, friends and medical personnel to contact you directly in your room. Voicemail is also provided.
 
Mail is picked up and delivered Monday-Saturday at the Registration Desk.
 
Mail should be addressed with the guest's last name in care of: Ronald McDonald House, 1300 East 21st Avenue, Denver, CO 80205 or Ronald McDonald House Aurora, 932 Potomac Circle, Aurora, CO 80011

IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND HOUSE RULES

• The Front Desk is open from 8am - 9pm. In case of emergency, staff are available 24 hours a day.
• Baby-sitting services are not provided. CHILDREN ARE NOT TO BE LEFT UNATTENDED AT ANY TIME!
• Kitchens must be left clean and orderly after each use. You must wash your own dishes and clean the area you used to cook and eat.
• Food must be supplied by you. There are grocery stores close to the House. Some donated food is always available at the House. In addition, community volunteers provide dinners for guests numerous evenings each month.
• Laundry facilities are provided, free of charge, including washers, dryers, detergent, bleach, irons and ironing boards.
• Quiet Hours are observed after 9pm and before 9am.
• Security is maintained 24 hours per day. The House is locked at all times. You will be given a security code when you check in--DO NOT GIVE IT TO ANYONE NOT STAYING AT THE HOUSE. You are responsible for keeping your room locked in order to prevent loss or theft.
• Parking is available in a lot adjacent to the House. You are responsible for locking your vehicle at all times. Belongings should be stored in your room or locked in the trunk of your vehicle. We are not responsible for anything lost or stolen.
• There is ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING anywhere in the House. Failure to follow this rule will result in immediate removal from the House and you will not be permitted to return. Smoking is permitted on an outdoor covered patio area.
• Once registered at the House, you must stay every night. If you plan on returning home, even for one night, you must check out of the House.
• Please remember that only 2 children are permitted to stay in a room. There are absolutely no exceptions to this rule.

Our House is run on a volunteer basis; when you are a resident you become one of the volunteers. Please help us keep the house clean, orderly and safe for your family and others.

BECAUSE WE WANT THIS TO FEEL LIKE HOME,
WE HAVE SPECIAL THINGS JUST FOR YOU:

• Televisions in several rooms throughout the House
• VCRs, DVD players and movies to rent
• Child and adult libraries
• Toys, games and puzzles
• Video game systems and games for you to rent
• An outdoor grill
• Extra supplies upon request
• Passes to Denver area attractions
• Special activies such as potlucks, barbeques and parties

WHEN IT'S TIME TO GO HOME

Everyone must do the following before leaving the House. Every step is important to getting your room deposit back.

1. Clean your bedroom and bath thoroughly. (guidelines are provided in your room)
2. Wash, dry, fold and return your linens to your room. Do not remake the beds. You must leave the room as clean and tidy as you found it.
3. Return all borrowed items such as movies, video games, cribs, etc.
4. Remove your items from the refrigerator and food locker.
5. Pay for your room and turn in your key.

If you have any other questions about being a guest at the House, you can contact the House Manager.