Sep 1, 2022 _ news

Keeping More Families Close: Ronald McDonald House Charities Dayton Breaks Ground

“Our mission here at Ronald McDonald House is to say yes to every family who is seeking community and comfort while their child or children are receiving medical treatment,” said Mariah Butler Vogelgesang, Chair Elect of the Ronald McDonald House Charities Dayton (RMHC Dayton) Board of Directors, at the groundbreaking ceremony for their new house. The new facility, scheduled to start construction in November, will triple the capacity of RMHC Dayton from 14 rooms to 42, allowing them to keep more families close while children receive medical treatment.

With the recent growth in pediatric healthcare specialties in and around Dayton, Ohio, RMHC Dayton has seen a significant increase in demand for housing. “Last year Ronald McDonald House had to turn away 63% of the families that came to us for housing. Expanding our capacity is significant to the strategic growth of our region’s healthcare sector and necessary to support the hundreds of families who travel to Dayton each year for their child’s medical care,” Rita Cyr, CEO, RMHC Dayton told the Dayton Business Journal.

More than just a place to sleep, RMHC Dayton provides children and their loved ones’ social opportunities, moments of celebration, and a community of support. We are excited to be working with RMHC Dayton on a new, three-story 40,000 sf facility that will celebrate the distinct culture and personality of this house. When complete, the project will include more guest rooms, as well as ample communal space, outdoor recreation, and respite space. The new building will enable holistic, wraparound services that support family-centered care and help improve health outcomes for pediatric patients.

While every RMHC project is unique, there are some commonalities that help inform the design.

”Most often, it is parents and healthy siblings staying in the house,” explains GBBN Associate Elizabeth Schmidt, who is part of the project team for both RMHC in Dayton and also worked on the Ronald McDonald House expansion in Cincinnati. “We wanted to make sure the design was sophisticated and calming, incorporates elements of whimsy and joy, and connects to nature and outdoor space.”

Upon completion, the new facility will enable RMHC Dayton to accommodate more families with a safe, comfortable, and caring community.

See project details at rmhcdayton.org

Read about our work with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati here.