Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Texas broke ground on a new facility in the Coastal Bend on Tuesday, aiming to expand support for families.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Community leaders, donors and healthcare partners gathered Tuesday to break ground on a new Ronald McDonald House that will expand services for families with children receiving medical care in the Coastal Bend.
The project, led by Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Texas, will create a larger facility designed to accommodate more families and provide additional amenities during extended hospital stays.
Officials said the new home will include expanded family suites capable of housing up to six people, compared to the current capacity of four.
“The Ronald McDonald House has been taking care of families from across Texas, in certain circumstances from out of state and now from El Paso,” said Eric Hamon, president and CEO of Driscoll Children’s Hospital.
Leaders said the expansion is intended to meet growing demand as more families travel to Corpus Christi for specialized pediatric care.
“Today marks the next chapter in our legacy — one built on listening to families, responding to growing needs and coming together as a community to say we need to do more,” said Michelle Horine, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Texas. “Thank you for helping us build a place where families can heal together.”
Horine said the new facility will feature spaces designed to support families during difficult times, including areas for gathering, reflection and rest.
“It’s going to be an amazing, beautiful space,” she said. “I’m so grateful to those who committed more than $2 million to make sure the heart of the house will be everything families need. It will bring families together.”
She added the expanded family suites will allow larger families to stay together.
“The expanded family suite will sleep a family of six, which before it was only four,” Horine said.
During construction, which is expected to take about two years, families will be temporarily housed at a nearby hotel. Officials said transportation, meals, services and programs will continue during that time.
The new facility will also include additional features such as a chapel for quiet reflection and welcoming spaces for families arriving for care.
“My most memorable moment here is when a family gets to go home,” Horine said. “We celebrate every day here — whether it’s a good day or a hard day.”