For families with a child receiving specialized medical care, having a place to stay close to the hospital can make all the difference. That’s the mission behind Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas, and thanks to a newly opened facility in North Austin, even more families now have a place to call home during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Kristin Coulter, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Central Texas, joined Trevor Scott on the show to discuss the organization’s growing impact and how the community can help.
Kristin Coulter, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Central Texas, joined Trevor Scott on the show to discuss the organization’s growing impact and how the community can help.
A Home Away From Home
Ronald McDonald House provides more than just lodging. Families also receive meals, laundry facilities, and emotional support while their child receives medical treatment.
“Our mission is to provide that wraparound care and all the comforts of home for families that have a child that’s critically ill or injured in a hospital,” Coulter said. “We provide lodging, food, laundry facilities and emotional support so they do not have to walk this journey alone.”
A Second House Opens in North Austin
To meet growing demand, Ronald McDonald House recently opened a second location near Texas Children’s Hospital in North Austin.
The new 6,000-square-foot house features nine guest rooms, a full kitchen, family gathering spaces and a multipurpose community room.
“We opened our second house just a few months ago, and it’s already full,” Coulter said.
The expansion comes as pediatric care continues to grow in Central Texas, attracting families from across the state, the country and even internationally.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas expands to serve more families
Meeting a Growing Need
For years, Ronald McDonald House has maintained a waitlist for families seeking accommodations.
“We’ve experienced a waitlist for many, many years,” Coulter said. “Now we’re sitting, on average, anywhere from 25 to 35 families waiting.”
In addition to the new North Austin location, the organization is renovating its original house near Dell Children’s Medical Center and hopes to break ground on another expansion in 2027.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas expands to serve more families
A Prom She’ll Never Forget
While Ronald McDonald House provides practical support, it also creates moments of joy during incredibly difficult times.
Coulter shared the story of Malia, an 18-year-old patient who traveled from Seattle to Austin for specialized surgery. Her treatment meant she would miss one of the biggest milestones of her senior year—prom.
Instead of letting that happen, the Ronald McDonald House team got to work.
“We said, ‘Nope, you’re not going to skip it. We’re going to make it happen here at Ronald McDonald House,’” Coulter recalled.
With the help of hospital staff and community partners, Malia’s boyfriend flew to Austin to surprise her, doctors and nurses helped organize the event, and the Ronald McDonald House community room was transformed into a prom venue complete with decorations, food and dancing.
“It was really meaningful,” Coulter said. “We were able to bring some joy to her during that time.”
With the help of hospital staff and community partners, Malia’s boyfriend flew to Austin to surprise her, doctors and nurses helped organize the event, and the Ronald McDonald House community room was transformed into a prom venue complete with decorations, food and dancing.
How the Community Can Help
Volunteers remain at the heart of Ronald McDonald House’s mission.
From preparing home-cooked meals to stocking pantries, assembling care items and helping with household chores, every act of service makes a difference.
“These families have the ability to get a warm breakfast, warm lunch and warm dinner because of the generosity of our volunteers,” Coulter said.
The organization also welcomes financial contributions, in-kind donations and corporate sponsorships.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas expands to serve more families
Get Involved
To volunteer, donate or learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas, visit the organization’s website and explore the “Ways to Get Involved” section.
Whether it’s cooking a meal, sponsoring a program or making a donation, every contribution helps ensure families can stay close to the care and the people they need most.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas expands to serve more families