Amenities

The Pittsburgh Ronald McDonald House strives to support the families of seriously ill children by providing a safe, comfortable home with a variety of services:

	Calman Ira Cohen Library Through generous donations from friends and family of Calman Ira Cohen, families staying at the Ronald McDonald House are able to enjoy a wide variety of books and educational computer software available in the Calman Ira Cohen Library.
	Common Areas The common areas - dining rooms, kitchens, laundry facilities, living rooms, play rooms, porches and a yard - are an integral part of daily life for families. They provide a place where adults and children gather to relax, talk, play and escape the stresses associated with the hospital environment. These shared spaces truly encourage families to bond and support one another in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.
	Computers & Internet Access Computers donated by The Make-A-Wish Foundation and Boyce Campus Middle College are available for use by families to stay in touch with loved ones at home, research medical reference information, and to complete work and school assignments.
	Cultural Fund The Cultural Fund allows families to take advantage of Pittsburgh's many cultural activities, such as art shows, concerts and plays, at no cost to them.

	Family Counseling Fund Families staying at the Ronald McDonald House encounter numerous challenges: conflicts in relationships; life transitions; emotional crises; educational and career decisions; physical illness and disability; and much more. The Family Counseling Fund allows families to seek professional counseling to master their challenges at no cost to them.
	Food Donated milk, orange juice, eggs, bagels and coffee, as well as nonperishable foods, allow families to spend more time with their children and less time and money at the grocery store. Food staples are generously provided by The Martin-Brower Company, Einstein Bros. Bagels and various community groups.
	Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield Fund Through the generous support of Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield, financial assistance is available to families that reside in Western Pennsylvania and are unable to afford the cost of lodging at the Ronald McDonald House.
	Jason Bay Family Fund As the 2004 Players' Choice National League Rookie of the Year, Pittsburgh Pirate Jason Bay selected the House to be the recipient of a $20,000 grant from the Major League Baseball Player's Association. The monies are restricted to support the housing cost for families staying at the Pittsburgh House for a lengthy period of time. Bay's selection was guided by his wife, who has a long association with Ronald McDonald House of Seattle. Kristen's father serves on the Board of Directors in Seattle and she completed a service internship there.
	Joey Kelly Fund The Joey Kelly Fund provides financial assistance to families unable to pay for lodging.

Laundry Facilities

Families are welcome to use the free laundry facilities, which are stocked with laundry detergent and fabric softener.

Mail

Families staying at the House can receive mail and packages.

Motel Program

This flexible program meets the needs of families who have requested a room at the Ronald McDonald House only to find that our facility is full. Arrangements are made by the House for the family to stay at our exclusive, participating motel (subject to availability) for a reduced fee of $11 per night, the same fee we charge for a night's lodging at our original House. The balance of the overnight stay is paid by our charity and the subsidy continues until a room becomes available at the Ronald McDonald House.

	Phones & Voicemail Individual phones and voicemail provide our families with 24-hour direct access to their child's hospital room, medical staff and friends and family.
	Play Rooms Each House is equipped with a play room complete with books, toys, electronic and board games and big screen televisions.
	Play Yard The enclosed play yard contains a covered patio, complete with grill and furniture; a playhouse; a toddler-size slide, see-saw and jungle gym; and enough space for the children to run, climb and play as much as their health permits.
	Starzl Fund This fund was set-up in honor of Dr. Thomas E. Starzl, Director of the University of Pittsburgh's Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, to provide financial assistance to families of transplant patients unable to pay for lodging.

Tickets to Local Attractions

Some area children's venues, such as the Carnegie Museum of History , Kennywood and the Pittsburgh Zoo , generously donate admission for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.

Televisions & VCRs

Each individual room and apartment is equipped with a TV and VCR and families are able to borrow videos from the House's extensive library.

Transportation

Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh offers a free shuttle service to the Hospital, which leaves the House at 9:00 AM and returns at 8:00 PM. There is also public transportation available near the House and the Hospital.