Ronald McDonald House

Since October 1983, the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey has provided comfort, care, and housing for families whose children are receiving treatment for serious illness or traumatic injuries. With the support of Cooper University Health Care, local McDonald's restaurants, and the Builder's League of South Jersey, the original house on 6th Street in Camden was transformed from a twin Victorian home into a welcoming space for families in need.

Over the past four decades, thousands of families from throughout the country and from dozens of countries have stayed at the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey during some of the most stressful moments in their lives.

Expanded Facilities and Support 

In 1998, the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey opened a new 26,000-square-foot, four-story home. The upgraded house can accommodate 20 families, offering private bedrooms with bathrooms, handicap accessibility, spacious common areas, and support for day guests who need a break during a long day at the hospital between medical treatments or tests.

With a small staff and the help of hundreds of volunteers, the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey serves about 600 families each year – some staying only a few days while others staying for several months or return several times a year based on their child’s medical needs. The Ronald McDonald House gives the families the common bond of shared experience and ability to rest and regain strength to care for their children.

Available Services

When you are far from home, your child is in the hospital, and you have not had anything to eat the entire day, the last thought you should worry about is where am I going to stay tonight. Ronald McDonald House of SNJ strives to support these families with a safe haven from the hospital hall by offering:

• Private bedrooms: Rooms accommodate up to 4 people and include a private bathroom and phone. Handicap-accessible rooms are also available.
• Daily meals: Community volunteers prepare and serve meals in the central dining room. Families may also select and prepare their own food using our well-stocked pantry and kitchen.
• Laundry facilities: Two laundry rooms are available for resident use
• Children’s activities: Indoor and outdoor play areas, craft projects, games, movies, and weekly visits from our therapy dogs, Yahtzee and Kelby.

Who Can Stay at the Ronald McDonald House

Families are eligible to stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey if:

• Their child (up to age 21) is receiving treatment at a Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia-area hospital
• They live outside the local area
• A referral is made by a social worker, nurse, or physician at the treating hospital

Families are asked to contribute $15 per night, but no one is turned away for inability to pay. Reduced or waived fees are made possible by programs such as Share a Night, and by generous support of donors, organizations, and community partners. 

For More Information About the Ronald McDonald House

Visit the Ronald McDonald House of SNJ Web site at www.ronaldhouse-snj.org, call 856.966.4663, or email info@ronaldhouse-snj.org.