The Texas Medical Center is known worldwide for specialized care, and families travel to Houston every day searching for answers, treatment, and hope. But when a child needs extended care, families quickly face another urgent question: where can we stay close enough to be present, without the costs of long-term lodging piling up?
For many, the answer is Ronald McDonald House Houston, a place built to support families when life shifts into hospital schedules, waiting rooms, and uncertain timelines.
What began as a small haven on La Concha has grown into a 70-bedroom home on Holcombe, located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center. For families with children receiving care from infancy through age 18, including families with prenatal needs, this home-away-from-home offers stability during a season that can feel anything but stable.
The organization’s support extends beyond one building. Ronald McDonald House Houston has expanded its presence within leading medical institutions by providing 19 bedrooms at Texas Children’s Hospital, 20 bedrooms at Memorial Hermann, and 2 bedrooms at MD Anderson. In addition, the organization maintains more than half a dozen family lounges stocked with food and everyday comforts, giving parents and caregivers a place to pause, regroup, and keep going.
While the houses themselves are not healthcare facilities, their role is essential. They help bridge a critical gap for families who need access to the Texas Medical Center but cannot afford to stay nearby for weeks or months at a time. In Houston, housing is provided at no cost, allowing families to focus on what matters most: being together and supporting their child through treatment.
The impact of Ronald McDonald House reaches far beyond Houston. There are approximately 380 Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide, serving families who travel for medical care and need a safe place to stay near the hospital.
Houston’s Ronald McDonald House regularly welcomes families from around the world, often hosting guests from 14 to 17 countries, along with families from the Greater Houston Area and across Texas. Safety and security are a priority, and the environment is designed to feel welcoming and home-like during an incredibly challenging time.
Every stay represents more than shelter. It represents relief, community, and the comfort of not having to face a medical journey alone. For families navigating care from prenatal stages through a child’s 18th birthday, Ronald McDonald House Houston remains a lifeline, offering support when it is needed most.
To learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Houston and ways to support their mission, visit rmhchouston.org.
