Since 1979, the Charity has served more than 50,000 families seeking medical care for their children in Atlanta. In celebration, Gov. Brian Kemp proclaimed March 11, 2019, as Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities Day in Georgia.
Atlanta’s first Ronald McDonald House on Houston Mill Road, the fourth Ronald McDonald House in the world, opened on March 11, 1979. It was built to provide a haven for families who must travel far from home for their child’s specialized medical care. In 2008, it was replaced with a $15.7 million LEED-certified 50-bedroom facility on Gatewood Road, featuring a transplant wing to serve children who have received heart, liver, kidney and bone marrow transplants.
“We are proud to make a difference in the lives of so many families,” says Beth Howell, President and CEO. “Since 1979, Atlanta RMHC has served more than kept more than 56,456 families close to one another and needed medical care.”
In 1994, Atlanta RMHC opened a House with 11 guest rooms on Peachtree Dunwoody Road. To accommodate more families, the Charity replaced it in 2015 with an $18.5 million 31-bedroom LEED Silver certified facility, featuring an ADA accessible three-story tree house.
“The heart of our mission is to provide a welcoming home for families whose children are battling life-threatening medical conditions and injuries,” Howell says. “In 40 years, our Ronald McDonald Houses have saved families more than $105.3 million in lodging, meals and transportation costs.”
Atlanta RMHC’s growth continues, Howell says. “Thanks to the generosity of the community, we now provide 81 rooms at two Houses, a Ronald McDonald Care Mobile and a Ronald McDonald Family Room.”
The Charity also has a certified therapy dog for families. Howell says many families must leave their pets at home when they seek medical treatment. “Our Chief Happiness Officer, Betty Lou, visits families to bring smiles and fun memories.”
Volunteers are integral to Atlanta RMHC’s mission. In the last 40 years, 141,260 volunteers have helped care for families at the two Houses, as well as the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Scottish Rite.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of financial and volunteer support that will enable us to meet the growing needs of the patients and families who rely on our services,” Howell says.
Volunteer
Volunteers are integral to Atlanta RMHC’s mission. Since 1979, 141,260 volunteers have helped care for families at the two Ronald McDonald Houses, as well as the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Scottish Rite. ARMHC.org/volunteer
