Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego - San Diego, California

Drisana M.

Staying here was such a blessing. This place is truly amazing! Our teenage son was diagnosed with brain cancer this year. He is currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy with the need to stay in the hospital for a week at a time. We live about an hour away from the hospital and can’t afford hotels for his stays. We were so blessed to get a room for his most recent stay. It is so important for us to be able to stay close to him. Sometimes he has trouble eating or getting out of bed. This allowed us to be with him for hours every day. We feel family is so important for healing ❤️‍🩹 I keep saying they should have this for adult’s families going through similar situations too! We are so grateful for this place so that we can focus on our son and not worry about anything during his stay.

We stayed in the “North house” at the very end of the hall upstairs. The only thing you can hear is the freeway outside the window but it’s kind of like white noise. The room was a bit cold at night. But they have plenty of blankets. The room had memory foam queen and twin beds, a full bathroom with tub, a TV, air conditioner (no heater though) a work area, a small table and small private patio. There is street parking available right out front in the evenings, after the medical staff leave. This really helps with the parking cost as well. There are 2 cooking stations in the kitchen and every family staying there gets a mini fridge and private cupboard. There is also a large fridge stocked with many things to share or cook. There are snacks, pasta, max and cheese, beans, spices and so much more if you want or need them. There is a shared living room with a TV, games and books, a work area, a patio with grill, a laundry room on both floors, an exercise bike and 2 other common lounges. It has a very homey feel and is kept very clean.

The big house (south) serves 3 meals a day to anyone with a child in the hospital, whether you are staying there or not. They also offer showers, a gym, play areas, crafts, 4 cooking stations, a common fridge with free food for when they are not serving meals and so much more! This is all free to any family members (and their other children) with a Rady hospital wristband whether they are staying at the house or not.

They only ask for a “recommended” donation from families if they can afford it and it is very reasonable! Only $40 and $20 per night. But it’s ONLY if you can afford it. If you need help during your child’s stay at Rady Children’s hospital do not hesitate to ask a hospital social worker about the Ronald McDonald house. You will be welcomed with open arms over there. They even have clothing for those that came down to the hospital with nothing but the clothes on their backs. This place is truly amazing!

Alfonsina G.

Love this place. They really have helped me stay closer to my child at Rady’s children’s hospital. They help you in so many ways. Beautiful place and the rooms are spacious. They have a play area for children, a gym, a kitchen, extra restrooms. If you are allowed to stay there they provide everything so that you do not have to worry and just worry about visiting your child. It’s quiet so you don’t really hear your neighbors. It’s really great that they do these for families with sick children.

Sandy S.

I wasn’t aware that patients & family could have a meal here at no cost until social worker mentioned it so I said why not
🤷🏼‍♀️went in & I was asked to check in so I handed my DL to a nice lady but then some really rude lady which I didn’t get her name🤬came around & said “I need to cut your bracelet off because you’re in the “watchdog list”🤔I didn’t even know what that was so I had to ask her what she was talking about & she continued to be extremely rude. I asked her to double check please because now she had me worried someone may have used my name since I’ve never been on something like that nor in custody🤦🏼‍♀️🤬she then proceeded to ask another lady for assistance which she then said I imputed the wrong birthdate🤦🏼‍♀️what bothers me is her rudeness & never once did she apologize for making an accusation in which she was incorrect 🤬I wish I would have asked for her name. This charity should reevaluate her employment with this charity because with a attitude like hers she shouldn’t be around parents nor children who need compassion & understanding😪

mario L.

RMHC made us feel really comfortable while my son was in the hospital. We called it our home away from home. Great staff and great volunteers. Definitely coming back to volunteer myself. Can't forget about all the special visits from playstation and all the super heroes and Disney princesses. 😀

Christopher G.

This is a nice "escape" for parents/guardians and family members from the hospital which is right across the street. You can come here and eat, read a book/magazine, or play in one of the outdoor play areas. There is even a barbershop/salon if you need to get your hair cut. They do offer showers and toiletries of you need something. The staff here have always been friendly and welcoming, the food is delicious, it's not McDonalds food either, which is nice. They offer a hot menu item which they prepare in the kitchen they also offer soups, salads, sandwiches/wraps if you would like that instead. The House is built into the South Parking Garage for super convenience. I highly recommend parking in the South Garage as the parking spaces are larger, and there are more spots here than in the Notrh Garage. You do have to pay for parking but, you can get it validated at the front desk.

Maricela S.

Ever since my first visit, I have only received kind and heartwarming smiles. A place away from home, making our pain theirs and helping us with a warm meal, a place to wash, shower and go get a warm cup of coffee. Thank you!! From the bottom of our hearts ❤️‍🩹

Mm M.

I came to California from Arizona and due to an unexpected change, I became homeless. I asked social organizations for help. But I drove in the wrong place, into the parking lot of this building. The volunteer and the front desk told me that I had to pay the $6 parking fee automatically at the door before I could open the railing and let the car out.
After knowing it, I was very anxious and at a loss because I didn't have a bank card on me and only had a little cash left, but I couldn't use it. (Because I had to pay other fees) At this time, a middle-aged Chinese man learned about my experience. He took me to the parking lot exit and paid the $6 parking fee for me. I am very grateful to him! In the past few days, I have been thinking of ways to repay him, but due to time inconvenience and the fact that I am out of town, I have been unable to do so. Although 6 yuan is nothing, because he is also a low-income earner (I asked him, he is a worker in this building, providing assisted living needs, and running errands (such as delivering meals to people)).
Really sorry! My mind went blank. I probably didn't even say "thank you" and I didn't know his name. So whoever reads this, please help me tell him: I am very, very grateful to him for helping me in my difficult time.

James B.

For parents/guardians they have rooms. 3 meals a day, showers, library and computer access. As far as I know at no cost. It is run entirely by volunteers, funded by donations.