Our History
Providing care since 1974
In 1974, Dr. Audrey Evans opened the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia. She believed that no child should face the weight of illness alone and designed programs to keep families near each other and the medical care they needed. Dr. Evans worked hard to cared for the heart and soul of her patients, not just their bodies, and believed in the resiliency of families when they were able to be together.
Since the first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia, RMHC has created programs around the world that strengthen families during difficult times. Through this network of local Chapters, RMHC provides vital resources and compassionate care to children and their families being served by leading hospitals worldwide.
Providing Services in South Louisiana since 1983
The New Orleans Ronald McDonald House opened December 10, 1983 with the help of the New Orleans Saints. It was the 53rd Ronald McDonald House to open in the United States.
Over the years, our House has provided a home-away-from-home for families of seriously ill children and provides programs that give comfort, compassion and care to children and their families. Our iconic yellow House on Canal Street was our home for 40 years. In December 2022, we moved from our Canal Street location into a larger, more modern space on State Street.
Today, the New Orleans Ronald McDonald House is located on Children's Hospital's Campus and has 22 private en-suite bedrooms with full baths, with a full chef's kitchen, 60+ seat dining room, dual level laundry facilities, open playroom, library, game room, quiet nooks, a beautiful back yard with seating and picnic areas, relaxation areas and a living room.