Admissions Policy
The Buffalo Ronald McDonald House seeks to provide a comfortable and supportive home-away-from-home for eligible families of seriously ill children who are receiving medical treatment at a nearby medical facility. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western New York recognizes and celebrates the rich diversity of guest families.- Priority is given to families who live 25-miles from the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House and have a child being treated at an area hospital.
- Family members must be first referred to the House by a hospital staff member, social worker, nurse or doctor. Referrals can be made between 9:00 a.m. and 9 p.m., seven days a week, by calling us at (716) 883-1177.
- A Letter of Medical Necessity must be presented upon check-in. This is a note on hospital stationery stating that it is necessary for parents to stay at the House to be near their children. It must include the reason for hospitalization and the initial date of admission or treatment.
- Providing a safe and secure environment for guests is a high priority at the House. Referring sources are requested NOT to refer guests with a history of violence, drug or alcohol abuse, or other problems that would place the families, staff or volunteers in danger, or create disruption and stress for other families. If the referring staff member has questions regarding this policy, they are directed to contact the House Manager prior to referring the family.
- Although, it costs approximately $100 a night to operate the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House program, we ask our guest families to make a donation of $15 a night per room, or whatever amount they are able to donate, to continue House operations for future guests. A donation is not required. No eligible family is ever asked to leave the House and no eligible family is ever denied future stays at the House because they could not or did not make a donation.
