Eligibility
Families with children from pre-birth through age 21, who are undergoing treatment at a Springfield medical facility, may apply to stay at the Ronald McDonald House. Ill children receiving outpatient treatment may also apply to stay at the House with their families. See below if you’d like to benefit from the Ronald McDonald House but don’t require overnight accommodations.
How to Obtain a Referral
Families traveling to Springfield for their child’s medical treatment may make arrangements to stay at the House through a referral from their child’s nurse, social worker, or doctor before arriving. If you need assistance obtaining a referral, please call the Ronald McDonald House closest to your hospitalized child.
Cost to Stay with Us
There is no cost to stay at the Ronald McDonald House.
House Amenities
While families stay with us, they have access to a fully-stocked food pantry AND evening meals every night (thanks to our generous Meals from the Heart volunteers), transportation to and from medical facilities (Cox House only), special security measures that keep our Houses safe and secure, playrooms for siblings, and free laundry facilities (including complimentary detergent). Our Houses are staffed 24 hours a day, every day, by dedicated members of our management team and volunteers.
Day Use for Families
If you don’t require an overnight stay, the full benefits of our Houses are available for families. Having the comforts of home during the day while being close to your child can provide a much-needed reprieve from the hospital setting to relieve stress and build strength. Both of our Ronald McDonald Houses are available to families for day use between the hours of 9am and 9pm. Day Use Families are welcome at “Meals from the Heart” dinners!
For more information, please contact:
Ronald McDonald House near Cox South Hospital
417.875.3501
Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Hospital
417.820.0764
