ABOUT OUR HOUSE

The efforts to establish the Ronald McDonald House in Columbus, GA was begun by a group of concerned citizens in early 1991.  A significant medical need was demonstrated in a survey of pediatric health care institutions and agencies.  Fundraising efforts and a search for property were started immediately and ground was broken in September of 1993.  Support to make this dream a reality came from a variety of sources; corporate support, individual gifts, fundraising events, recycling programs and donations of building supplies, labor, furniture and services.The Ronald McDonald House in Columbus, GA is located at 1959 Hamilton Road.

The Ronald McDonald House of West Georgia is owned and operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities of West Georgia, Inc.  The mission of RMHC of West Georgia, Inc. is to provide temporary lodging to families traveling to Columbus, GA for pediatric care on a reduced or no cost basis.  RMHC of West Georgia, Inc. also selects and awards grants to non-profit organizations and programs in west Georgia and east Alabama that directly support children when funds are available.

The Ronald McDonald House is staffed full-time, 24 hours a day by either the Executive Director, Associate Director, Program Manager, Evening Manager, Resident Manager or Weekend Manager.  The staff is assisted by a core of dedicated volunteers who add to the support system for families.

Families interested in staying at the House must live outside of Columbus, GA and Phenix City, AL and must be referred by a physician, nurse or hospital social worker or case manager.  If no rooms are available, the family's name is put on a waiting list and they are notified of the earliest vacancy.

Amenities

The Ronald McDonald House in Columbus, GA features ten bedrooms with private bathrooms and all of the essentials.  Room occupancy is limited to four family members per room and the rooms are furnished with twin and queen beds.  The laundry area is fully equipped with washers, dryers, iron and ironing board.

The cheerful children's playroom is full of books, toys and age appropriate movies.The pantry is always stocked with groceries donated by the community and guests can prepare their own meals in the kitchen.  There are also individual food storage areas should families prefer to bring their own food.

The Ronald McDonald House has comfortable family rooms, and a library filled with books, a computer and videos for all ages.  The House also has a playroom full of toys and a porch full of sunshine and a wonderful play gym for the little ones in the back yard.

In our House, parents can break away from the hospital environment, have the support of other families and ease some of the stress associated with their child's illness.  It is a place were families can feel at home, cook their meals, watch TV, read, do their laundry and enjoy the comfort of a warm and friendly environment.