Families with a child in treatment at CHKD often need somewhere nearby to stay, and that’s what Ronald McDonald House in Virginia is built for.
Located near the hospital in Norfolk, the House has provided free temporary housing since 1981. There’s no fee to stay, no income documentation required, and no insurance proof needed to qualify. However, Ronald McDonald House eligibility comes down to three things: the child’s age, the hospital providing treatment, and the reason for care.
This blog answers four main questions a family in a health crisis usually has: where the House is located, who qualifies to stay, how to apply, and what it costs.
Where Is the Ronald McDonald House in Virginia?
Ronald McDonald House Norfolk serves families from across Virginia and nearby states, wherever their child’s treatment brings them to CHKD. The House sits at 404 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia 23507 – close enough to walk to the hospital instead of driving or waiting on a shuttle.
That distance matters when you’re making multiple trips a day between a hospital room and a place to rest.
- Families can skip parking fees and traffic
- Parents can reach the hospital quickly if needed
- More time stays available for the child’s bedside, less for commuting
- Families don’t need to rely on taxis, rideshares, or shuttles
Who Can Stay at Ronald McDonald House Norfolk?
The House operates 17 rooms, funded primarily through donations, and these rooms are reserved for families with a child in active medical treatment. However, the families need to meet specific eligibility requirements to stay at Ronald McDonald House in Virginia.
The Ronald McDonald House eligibility requirements exist to direct limited space toward the families the House was established to serve, particularly during periods when demand exceeds availability.
- The child must be 21 years of age or younger
- The child must be receiving treatment at a local hospital, including CHKD
- Diagnosis does not affect eligibility – any condition or injury qualifies
- One room is provided per family of the sick child, regardless of stay duration
Meeting these requirements is the first step in the process, where families are required to begin the request through the correct channel. Families requesting a stay for the first time require their hospital or care team to initiate the request before the form applies to them. Moreover, returning families may submit the Stay Request Form directly.
How Do You Apply to Stay at Ronald McDonald House Norfolk?
It’s crucial to understand that the application process depends on whether a family has stayed at the House before, and the two paths work differently.
A first-time request goes through the agency providing the child’s care, typically the hospital treating them, including CHKD. That step lets a professional familiar with the child’s treatment confirm the need directly, rather than leaving that confirmation to the family alone during an already difficult stretch.
Once the House has that history with a family, the process no longer needs a third party involved. Returning families submit the Stay Request Form themselves, reflecting the fact that their situation and eligibility are already known.
How Much Does Ronald McDonald House Cost to Stay?
Not every family needs an overnight stay. Some only need a few hours during the day to rest, shower, do laundry, or get a hot meal while their child is being treated nearby. The Day Use Program is built for that exact situation, giving families access to the House without needing a room for the night.
- Kitchen access for meals prepared by volunteer groups
- Laundry facilities at no charge
- Shower access, with towels provided
- A playroom for children, with parent supervision required
- Free Wi-Fi and computer access
Overnight stays work differently. Charges can vary depending on the services a family uses during their time at the House, rather than following one flat rate for every stay. Two families staying the same number of nights may end up with different Ronald McDonald House costs to stay, depending on what they use while they’re there.
However, families should confirm the details directly with Ronald McDonald House Norfolk while booking. Doing so gives a family a clear picture of what their stay includes before they arrive, instead of finding out partway through. That one call can save a family from a scheduling mismatch or an unexpected gap in what they assumed was covered.
Can Families Use Ronald McDonald House Norfolk During the Day?
Yes. Families don’t need to be staying overnight to use the House. The Day Use Program is open to families with a child 18 years old or younger receiving treatment at the hospital, separate from the 21-and-under limit that applies to overnight stays.
- A valid hospital visitor’s pass for that day is required to participate
- Guests sign in and out of the House for the safety of everyone using it
- No overnight reservation or prior stay is needed to use Day Use services
However, the age difference matters. A family with an 18-year-old can use Day Use the same day without qualifying for an overnight room under the broader Ronald McDonald House eligibility rules. Families unsure which option fits their situation can confirm with Ronald McDonald House Norfolk directly, since the two programs run on different age limits and different requirements to get in the door.
Conclusion
A child’s treatment at CHKD doesn’t leave room for figuring out where to stay next. Ronald McDonald House Norfolk, located near Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters, exists to close that gap, whether a family needs a room overnight or just a few hours during the day.
The next step depends on where a family stands. First-time families should contact the hospital or care agency treating their child and ask them to submit the reservation request directly. Families who’ve stayed before can skip that step and go straight to the Stay Request Form.
Either path leads to the same place: a family staying close to their child, without cost standing in the way.
Submit a Stay Request or learn more about how to stay.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there an age limit for children at Ronald McDonald House?
Yes. For overnight stays, the child must be 21 years old or younger.
Does the diagnosis or condition affect eligibility to stay?
No. Eligibility doesn’t depend on diagnosis – any condition or injury qualifies, as long as the child is receiving treatment at a local hospital.
How close is Ronald McDonald House to CHKD?
Ronald McDonald House Norfolk sits near Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, close enough to walk instead of drive.
What is the Day Use Program, and who can use it?
It’s a daytime-only program for families with a child 18 years old or younger receiving hospital treatment, offering a kitchen, laundry, showers, and a playroom without an overnight stay.
Does a family need an overnight reservation to use Day Use services?
No. Families can use Day Use services with a valid hospital visitor’s pass, without booking a room for the night.