Frequently Asked Questions

The families of a seriously ill or injured child 21 years old or younger who are receiving treatment in an El Paso area hospital. Families must reside more than 25 miles from the House. For more details, please contact us at 915.542.1522.

At your request, a social worker or medical staff member at the facility where the child is being treated must make the referral directly to the Ronald McDonald House of El Paso. Ronald McDonald House Charities of El Paso reserves the right to verify the child’s treatment with the medical service provider. All adults staying in the House must present current photo identification at check-in. We cannot guarantee placement until the day of need, but we will place families on a waiting list if the House is at full occupancy.

There is a suggested donation of $10 per night. This includes lodging, laundry facilities, shuttle service, as well as a fully stocked pantry.  If the family has New Mexico Medicaid, Medicaid will often pay for lodging. No family is turned away for the inability to make a donation.

The House is accessible to families and is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Ronald McDonald House of El Paso can accommodate 10 families each night in private suites. The House also includes a fully operational kitchen, laundry facilities, large indoor playground, Multi-Purpose Meeting Room, and indoor/outdoor living areas.

The families prepare their own meals. We have a fully-stocked pantry with food, but families also have the option to purchase their own groceries and store the goods in House refrigerators, freezers and in designated food storage areas. Local organizations/establishments will, from time to time, donate meals for the families to enjoy.

We encourage the community to provide meals through our meal program. Contact Rachel Garcia, Program Director at 915-542-1522 for more information.

RMHC El Paso has a shuttle that provides transportation to and from most hospitals Monday through Friday to various hospitals near our facility. The shuttle runs twice a day on a scheduled basis.

Depending on the severity of the child’s illness, families can reside at the House for as little as one night or as long as needed. Medical proof from the medical provider will be necessary for a longer stay.

Any family who has a child in The Hospitals of Providence Children’s Hospital in El Paso and Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces is encouraged to visit the Family Room.

Please visit our Family Room page to learn more about services offered.

There is no charge to visit the Family Room.  Guests can enjoy a snack or drink, watch TV, take a nap, or talk with other parents or the Family Room volunteers. All services provided in the Family Room are free of charge.

While the McDonald's corporation is a partner in care and licenses us to operate the charity, Ronald McDonald House Charities is neither owned nor fully funded by McDonald's. We are their charity of choice. Local owner/operators and McDonald's corporate employees serve as members of our Board of Directors, volunteer at the House, or serve as sponsors of our major fundraisers.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of El Paso is operated with funds raised through donations made by individuals, organizations and corporations. A small portion of our operating budget is also supported by grants. In addition, we have three special events throughout the year.

By making a donation and/or volunteering. We could not operate the charity without the generous support of our community. Your kindness is what helps to keep the doors open of our House. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of the House – they are the reason we are able to accomplish so much with such a small staff. To explore volunteer opportunities, click on the “How I Can Help” section or contact us at 915.542.1522