GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — As Ronald McDonald House Charities of West Michigan continues its $2.7 million effort to add eight more suites to its hospitality house, officials announced that the home’s original 17 suites have been completely updated and re-opened to families who have children in GR area hospitals.
The home’s refreshed public spaces and kitchen areas have also reopened as officials aim for an early 2024 completion of the additional suites.
The remodeled rooms can’t open soon enough for guests who utilize the space. Within a week of reopening, the home’s 17 rooms were already occupied by 32 adults and 15 children.
Since 1990 the house has had to turn away nearly 5,000 families due to limited space. Over $2.4 million has been raised for the $2.7 million endeavor.
Funds will be used to add eight additional private rooms, renovate the kitchen and dining areas, update laundry facilities, completely overhaul the playground and improve other facility amenities. Construction is being managed by EV Construction. When renovations are complete, the updated house will serve more regional families that travel to Grand Rapids for medical care from 65 counties throughout Michigan.
Founded in 1990, the Ronald McDonald House provides a ‘home away from home’ for families with critically ill or hospitalized children that need a place to stay while their child recovers. The RMH staff and volunteers provide a free stay in private rooms along with meals, play space for siblings, and supports for families facing challenging circumstances.
The 19,000-square-foot facility is located on five park-like acres, a short drive from DeVos Children’s Hospital. The House has seventeen bedrooms with private baths; two are isolation equipped and three are handicap accessible. Common rooms include a large family-style kitchen with four complete cooking areas, a dining room, great room with fireplace, sitting room, sunroom overlooking the backyard that has a playground area and a walking path and a children’s playhouse, a laundry room, and recreation room.
