North House Opening Celebration

Steve Ramirez, board chair of Ronald McDonald House Charities Global, celebrates new North House with special guests

North House keeps eight more families close to their hospitalized kids

On July 13, 2017, dozens of dignitaries, former residents, and special guests joined in celebrating the reopening of San Diego’s original Ronald McDonald House. Now named the Ronald McDonald House San Diego – North House, it adds rooms for eight additional families to stay close to their hospitalized children. Our community-supported Houses may now accommodate 55 families each night.

The North House is just a five-minute walk from the current Ronald McDonald House. Guests of the North House will have access to all the services at the current House.

An urgent need to keep more families close

The demand for Ronald McDonald House overnight services far exceeds capacity. On an average night, 30 families are on our wait list, hoping for a room to come available.

“The North House will reduce the wait list for overnight beds and provide lodging, meals and emotional support to more families in medical crisis,” said Chuck Day, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego.

While the North House is a huge victory, we know the need for our services is still strong.

We plan to operate this remodeled North House for up to seven years while solidifying a path for long-term expansion. Our hope is to build a larger facility on this site, or at another location nearby.

150 Volunteers help make the North House a home

150 volunteers formed a human chain between the current facility and the North House. They transported supplies to help us get ready for welcoming families on Monday, July 17.

Volunteers passing donations — Human chain starts at current House

two volunteers passing donations — Two cheerful volunteers

From a beloved House, to offices, to a House once more

The North House is the site of the original San Diego Ronald McDonald House from the 1980s. In 2009, the Ronald McDonald House moved down the street to its current 47-bedroom location, and Rady Children’s Hospital took over the original space for medical offices. In February 2017, the hospital leased the property to Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego for $1 a year. Since then, a half-million-dollar renovation project has been underway to prepare the North House for families. More than $380,000 was raised in cash donations and approximately $150,000 was donated with in-kind services.

Built with love and great community support

Renovations and ongoing operations are funded by community support. Special thanks to the organizations and individuals whose donations supported the reopening of the North House: