Thinking Ahead: When Should RMH Houston Resume Programming


Thank you for caring about our families' well-being. For the safety of our families, 
we would like to share an important update with you regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) prevention.
Thinking Ahead: When Should RMH Houston Resume Programming
 
Ronald McDonald House Houston works hand in hand with the RMHC Global team, based in Chicago.  Although the Houston House is a local, independent organization, RMHC Global provides guidance and perspective for all chapters world-wide, especially during this critical time.  On March 23, RMHC Global, after careful consultation with health experts, asked all chapters to suspend accepting new families into our facilities so we could help prevent spread of the virus and keep our families, who are already in the House, safe.
 
Now, RMHC Global is starting to draft a framework that will help the RMH system move forward and begin the gradual reintroduction of program operations.  Each Chapter will submit requests to resume programming when they feel the time is right.  Before we start admitting new families, RMH Houston will consult and collaborate with our hospital partners and our local medical experts, being mindful of the status of COVID-19 in Houston.  We will also assess our ability to keep our House safe, sanitized and stocked with appropriate supplies.  The health and safety of our families is paramount and we will only readmit new families after scrutinizing our ability to responsively serve.

Spirit of Hope Luncheon 2020
Join us for our Spirit of Hope "Virtual" Luncheon on May 6, 2020 at 11:30am to hear so many incredible stories. Click here to learn more and attend.
Reasons To Smile

Thousands of Girl Scout cookies were delivered to the House. Thanks to the partnership between the Hamill Foundation and Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (Official), RMHH families and many first responders in the hospitals get to enjoy some delicious Girl Scout cookies #KeepingFamiliesClose

Please help us with monetary donations, click here to donate.
 
Consider making a monthly $10 gift to help cover the cost each family is asked to pay per night. Imagine the impact you and 20 others can make with a gift like this.
 
 
With warm regards,



Rick Noriega
RMH Houston CEO

 
Ronald McDonald House Houston, 1907 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030

Families Are Still Together, Thanks to You!


Thank you for caring about our families' well-being. For the safety of our families, 
we would like to share an important update with you regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) prevention.
Updates

While life at each of our programs across RMH Houston is different and in most cases, quieter, the need for and appreciation of our mission is profound. The kids staying at RMH Houston are a vulnerable population every day, and today are one of the most at-risk populations in the world. Thank you for supporting us during this difficult time while we continue to focus on #keepingfamiliesclose. It may be more quiet, but the love still remains in our House. 

We continue to take every precaution to keep our families safe during the Coronavirus outbreak. 
Steps we've taken across RMH Houston to ensure health and safety:

  •  Holcombe House currently has 36 families living in the House.  Holcombe House staff members are finding creative ways to engage with families while maintaining social distance, like playing intercom bingo over the weekend J
  • Ronald McDonald House inside Children's Memorial Hermann is open for family guest overnight stays, as well as serving snacks and meals when provided in the 7th floor lounge.  The hospital is allowing one visitor per pediatric patient.  Staff shared that many parents have expressed thanks that we have remained open for community, food, coffee, and support. 
     
  • Ronald McDonald House inside Texas Children's Hospital is also open for family guest overnight stays, as well as hosting families for respite, snacks, and meals when provided. 
     
  • The Pediatric Child Life staff is continuing to operate our RMH Kitchen at MD Anderson and the Family Room spaced utilized for staff respite.  Although our staff and volunteers cannot be there in person, we were able to share our snacks and goodies with patients, families, medical and housekeeping staff on the unit this week.  They were touched that we have continued to think of them and several called to express gratitude. 
     
  • Employees and visitors are being screened daily before admittance across all locations. All RMH employees are keeping safety as a top priority, following protocols such as wearing masks daily and some working remotely. 
Reasons To Smile 

"Together, we are Stronger" Coalition: J.J Clemence Volunteer Team, Anhui Association of Texas and Harmonia Capital stopped by the house yesterday to donate 3000 masks and Paper Towel.  There was a small "socially distant" ceremony presenting a Certification of Recognition letter from the Congressman Pete Olson. 
 
One of our former families, the Hou family who lived at the Ronald McDonald before, specially asked to join this event. #KeepingFamiliesClose





Here is what you can do to help this week:

1. Since all meal group volunteer activities have also been cancelled, help us stock up on staple groceries so families can cook for themselves/snack while at the hospital. You can get them delivered to our doorsteps from shopping online on our Amazon wish lists: (we know that many of the items on our Amazon Wishlist are not available at this time, but you can still help us out by using Kroger Delivery, HEB DeliveryBoxed.com or Instacart.com


Lysol disinfectant spray, paper goods, plates and bowls, plastic silverware, Cup of Noodles, Easy Mac, Chef Boyardee, tuna or chicken kits, Compleats, etc.... Also vegetarian options! Individually wrapped Grab and Go snacks: fruit cups, apple sauce, and microwave popcorn. Things that are always needed: paper towels hand sanitizer Clorox wipes bottled water laundry detergent and napkins.
2. Please help us with monetary donations, click here to donate.
 
Consider making a monthly $10 gift to cover the cost each family is asked to pay per night. Imagine the impact you and 20 others can make with a gift like this.
 
 
With warm regards,



Rick Noriega
RMH Houston CEO

 
Ronald McDonald House Houston, 1907 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030