Ronald McDonald House, Providence RI: History
Mid 1980’s
The Beginning
A group of concerned individuals from Women & Infants and Rhode Island Hospitals met to discuss the issue of parents sleeping on hospital chairs overnight in order to be closer to their children. They were determined to create a welcoming home to support families with a hospitalized child.
1989
Community Support
November 6, 1989 – Thanks to the tremendous support of the community and many dedicated volunteers, the Ronald McDonald House of Providence opened as a 12 bedroom home, debt free.
1989
2002
First Expansion
The House was expanded to include 4 more bedrooms, an elevator and an updated kitchen.
2008
First Family Room
The Ronald McDonald Family Room opened at Hasbro Children’s Hospital to provide compassionate support to families within the hospital.
2008
2010
Second Expansion
The House was expanded again adding 2 more bedrooms, bringing the number of rooms to 18.
2015
Third Expansion
The House embarked on a $5M expansion to meet the increasing housing needs of critically ill children and their families.
2015
2016
28 Bedrooms
With the completion of this expansion, the House now offers 28 bedrooms, a large kitchen, family room with play area, laundry facilities and a fitness room. The House also offers programs that promote wellness and relaxation as well as a home cooked meal each night.
2019
Stronger Together
The Ronald McDonald House of Providence joined the newly formed organization, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of New England to extend our reach and serve more families throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Ronald McDonald House Providence remains the only program in Rhode Island to provide a Home for families of critically ill children.
2019