Since 1980, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Dayton has provided comfort, compassion, and care for families with critically ill children. Located steps from the medical treatment their children need, RMHC Dayton is built on the belief that families should be able to focus entirely on their child’s health. That’s why they provide a welcoming home away from home — completely free of charge.
Helping Families Meet Their Needs
The Ronald McDonald House offers holistic, wrap-around services that support family-centered care through amenities like private guest suites, play areas, laundry facilities, and daily home-cooked meals. Families also receive essential personal care items and supportive services to help them feel less alone during difficult times. Beyond the House, RMHC Dayton operates two Family Rooms — one at Dayton Children’s Hospital and another at Emmett’s Place inside Miami Valley Hospital — offering families a quiet place to recharge without leaving the hospital.
“Pediatric care isn’t just about treating the child — it’s about supporting the entire family,” says Kirstin Weaver, marketing and communications coordinator for RMHC Dayton. “By offering wrap-around care and a compassionate community, RMHC Dayton empowers families to stay well-rested, nourished and strong for their child during challenging times.”
The Need for Services is Growing
Recently, the growth in pediatric healthcare specialties in the Dayton area has affected the need for RMHC services.
“The demand far exceeds availability,” Weaver says. “Last year, the House had to turn away 75% of families due to limited space.”
Since 2015, they’ve gone from just one program working with three partners — Dayton Children’s Hospital, Miami Valley Hospital, and Kettering Hospital — to three programs that now support seven partners, including Shriners Children’s Ohio, the Proton Therapy Center, Brigid’s Path and 4 Paws for Ability.
Expanding the Organization
To meet the rising demand, RMHC Dayton is undergoing a major expansion. In early 2025, the new House will open its doors, increasing capacity from 14 to 42 rooms.
“It will allow RMHC to say YES to every family seeking our services,” Weaver says. “This new 38,000–square-foot facility will provide comfort and a sense of normalcy for families, with communal spaces for shared meals, meaningful conversations, and moments of respite after long days at the hospital. These enhancements will allow RMHC Dayton to continue its mission of providing essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare.”
How To Help
RMHC Dayton is always looking for support and volunteers. People can help by:
Shopping from the RMHC Dayton Virtual Housewarming Wish List: Help stock the new house with essential items. Check out the wishlist here: rmhcdayton.org/housewarming
Donating Online: Every contribution helps open the doors to more families. Give the gift of togetherness: rmhcdayton.org/donate.
Volunteer Your Time: Volunteers are the Heart of the House. RMHC is looking for hot meal providers and house beautification volunteers. Get started at rmhcdayton.org/get-involved/volunteer.
Collect Pull-Tabs: Save your pull tabs from soda cans, soups and pet food cans and drop them off at the House. They will turn those tabs into funds to support the program.
