Ronald McDonald House Charities® OKC Breaks Ground on New Facility

Ronald McDonald House Charities® Oklahoma City (RMHC®-OKC) marked a milestone April 3 by breaking ground on a new facility in northwest OKC. Founded in 1984, RMHC-OKC provides housing, meals and support at no cost for families with seriously ill or injured children. The nonprofit’s new project aims to expand these services for families across the state who need housing during a child’s medical treatment. 

The groundbreaking also began the public phase its $17 million capital campaign, Opening Doors, Finding Hope. Capital Campaign Cabinet Chair John Patrick Lopez said the organization has raised $13 million for the first phase of the project, and the nonprofit seeks to raise $2 million by the end of 2025 to help complete construction. 

“Reaching this goal will unlock a $2 million challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation,” Lopez said. The completion of the Mabee Foundation Challenge Grant will effectively double the impact of donations; however, if the $2 million target is not met by January 2026, the matching grant will not be awarded. 

“Community support is essential to the success of this campaign,” Lopez added. “This new Ronald McDonald House will serve the entire state of Oklahoma. Families will have spaces to gather, share meals and rest, as they navigate some of the most challenging moments of their lives.” 

The new House is on the north side of Memorial Road between Meridian Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard. It is near Mercy Hospital’s NICU and Love Family Women’s Center, and it is located minutes from INTEGRIS Children’s Hospital and Bethany Children’s Health Center. 

Once open, the facility will serve up to 28 additional families each night. It expands the organization’s current services, which include 40 guest rooms and daytime respite options at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. 

“As more rural hospitals close and specialized pediatric care expands in Oklahoma City, more families are traveling from across the state for critical medical care for their children,” said RMHC-OKC President and CEO Susan Adams. “More families than ever need a place to stay—often for weeks or months at a time—and the need is expected to grow over the next 5-10 years. In 2024, we provided 13,851 nights of stay for families, up from 12,161 in 2023, and we often have a waitlist.” 

Currently, families with children receiving care at other metro hospitals often go without support. The new three-story, 29,000-square-foot House will include 28 bedrooms: 24 family suites with two queen beds and private bathrooms, and four extended-stay suites with a sitting area, sofa bed and kitchenette. Each residential floor will include family dens with seating, televisions and games. Shared living, dining and kitchen areas will also be available.

“The Ronald McDonald House is more than just a place to stay—it’s a lifeline for parents,” Adams said. “Being able to stay close to the hospital allows families to be at their child’s bedside any time, day or night, and readily meet with the medical team. And for the children, having their family nearby isn’t just reassuring, it’s essential for healing.” 

For more information on the campaign, visit rmhc-okc.org/openingdoors.