Ronald McDonald House | Ronald McDonald House Family Room

Judd Hillside
This beautiful home (right) was built in the 1920s by Mr. & Mrs. George Lake. It stands majestically on Judd Hillside, near major children’s hospitals. Subsequent owners were the McManus family and Joe and Marda Phillips. It was from the Phillips that a group of community leaders and partners purchased the home and property in 1984 to become Hawaii’s first Ronald McDonald House. After three years of planning and a complete renovation of the house that added four more guestrooms and two more bathrooms, RMH began welcoming families in March 1987. Since then, the House has provided support and lodging for thousands more families with these unique needs. Each year, its ten private guestrooms represent 3,650 nights lodging and support for families. Those children receiving outpatient care for their serious illnesses are lodged with their families at the Judd Hillside RMH, because of its “child-friendly” setup.

Besides a clean, safe, private room and all the comforts of home, including a kitchen and fully stocked pantry, laundry facilities, living/TV room, children’s indoors and outdoor play areas and a garden, there are many services. These include transportation to and from the hospital, grocery stores and other scheduled outings; and communication and research tools such as phones and phone cards, a FAX machine, computer and Internet access. By partnering with others in the community, RMH helps address other important family needs such as tutoring, family counseling, sibling care needs, and even hospice issues.

Families staying at the House are experiencing similar difficulties and have the opportunity to share their common fears and joys, and to find real understanding. The financial strain on family finances are reduced considerably because only a nominal fee of $20 per day is asked of each guest family. No one is ever turned away because of inability to pay. The actual cost to maintain and operate the House is more than $120 per day with the difference made up through ongoing donations from foundations, businesses and individuals.

Oahu Avenue
RMHC’s second residential facility is the Oahu Avenue House. Purchased in 2006 as the result of a major Capital Campaign, this striking home adds eight more permanent guest rooms to the RMHC system. Also located in Manoa Valley, it offers the same services available at the Judd Hillside House. However, because of the physical layout it has been designated to specialize in lodging adult family members of in-patient children.