• RMH Providence Happy Boy

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