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Chestnut Street

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Welcome To The First House That Love Built

The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House is the first Ronald McDonald House in the world. Our location near several pediatric hospitals allows you the peace of mind knowing that you are always close to your child. At the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, your family can be together and maintain the routines of normal family life. You can also avoid the discomfort of sleeping in hospital lounges or the isolation and expense of hotels. Whether you're with us for a short visit or lengthy stay, we will make your time here as comfortable as possible.

Make Yourself At Home

Not only is the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House located in a convenient location for families, but it also provides numerous services that can help during a difficult time. You'll have a private, comfortable bedroom where you can relax with your family and loved ones. You can mingle with other families in our dining room or relax in our family lounges. We have wireless internet capabilities and computers, a van service to take families to and from the hospital at scheduled times throuhgout the day, a newly renovated indoor playroom and outdoor playground, and even a teen center, so children of all ages can feel like they are at home. We even have an exercise room where you can work off extra stress. For your convenience we have laundry facilities. You can also make yourself at home in our kitchen and dining area where families are welcome to cook, or help themselves to home cooked meals provided by volunteers every night. All of these small rituals of daily living can help bring a sense of normalcy during stressful times.

We're Like Family

Our focus at the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House is to provide outside support essential to getting through such difficult times. We provide a caring and supportive environment for our families. We have 300 dedicated volunteers and a professional staff who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Families that stay at our House can rely on our staff for support and also can share experiences with other families in similar situations.

  • 44 guest bedrooms
  • Large kitchen and dining area
  • Fully stocked pantry
  • Delicious dinners cooked every night and served at 6 pm by volunteers
  • Laundry facilities
  • Children's play areas
  • Teen Center
  • Wireless internet access/computer areas
  • Exercise room
  • Van shuttle service to/from hospitals
  • Social Worker available Monday through Friday

Who Stays At Our House?

Families who...

  • Live more than 25 miles from the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House
  • Have a child under 22 years of age
  • Have a child receiving active inpatient or active outpatient treatment at a local Philadelphia hospital

How Does Hospital Staff or Families Request a Room?

  • Call us at 215-387-8406 any day between 9 am and 6 pm. The House is open 365 days/year. Our Registration Office is staffed Monday - Friday between 9 am and 6 pm.
  • The family will be placed on a "Room Request" list. (Please note we do not take guaranteed reservations.)
  • Once on that list, the family needs to call us between 10 am and 1 pm on the day of your requested check-in to determine room availibility.
  • If we do have an available room, families must check-in before 8 pm.
  • If we do not have any rooms available, we offer discounted rates with our partner hotels.

View photos from our Chestnut Street House here.