During Your Stay

Whether you’re staying for a few nights or several months, we want you to feel at home while you’re here.

Your Home at Ronald McDonald House Missoula

Our House is open 365 days a year and includes:

  • 12 private guest rooms with bathrooms
  • A fully equipped double family kitchen
  • Large dining and gathering spaces
  • A fully stocked pantry
  • Four laundry rooms
  • Discovery Room Play Area
  • Grizzly Den Family Game Room
  • Outdoor gathering space
  • WiFi and workspaces

Everyday household essentials, including laundry detergent and cleaning supplies, are provided and easy to access throughout the House. If you need something or aren’t sure where to find it, just ask.

Ronald McDonald House Missoula main entrance
guest room with two queen beds ready for our next family

Family Services

From the moment we receive your referral through the end of your stay, the Ronald McDonald House Missoula Family Services team is here to support your family.

Family Services Coordinator, Jesse Ballard, is your primary point of contact before you arrive and throughout your stay. Whether you have questions, need assistance or your plans change, Jesse and our Family Services team are here to help.

We can help with:

  • Questions about your stay 
  • Questions about the House
  • Changes or extensions to your stay
  • Getting settled at the House
  • Local services and practical needs
  • Connecting you with additional resources
  • Unique requests that may arise during your stay

Contact Family Services 

Jesse Ballard – Family Services Coordinator
 (406) 541-7646
 jballard@ronaldmcdonaldhousemissoula.org 

When you arrive, you’ll find our team in the Front Desk and Lobby Area, where our staff offices are located. Stop by any time you have a question, need something or just want to say hello.

Meals

You shouldn’t have to worry about where your next meal will come from while you’re focused on your child. Thanks to generous volunteers, donors and community partners, families enjoy nourishing meals and snacks throughout their stay.

Sunny Start Breakfast is served each morning and includes grab and go options for families heading to early hospital appointments. Snacks and pantry staples are also available throughout the day.

Meals from the Heart provides dinner nearly every evening. Leftovers are packaged in individual, reheatable containers, making it easy to enjoy your meal later or pack a lunch for your trip to the hospital the next day.

Families are also welcome to prepare their own meals in our fully equipped kitchen. When volunteers are preparing meals for guest families, we ask that you wait until they have finished before using the kitchen for personal cooking.

Ronald McDonald House Missoula dining room

Family Programs & Activities

While your child’s care is the priority, there are times when a chance to relax, create, connect or simply have a little fun can make a difficult time feel a little brighter. Throughout the year, families may enjoy arts and crafts, seasonal celebrations, therapy dog visits, family events, NICU support opportunities and other special programs at Ronald McDonald House Missoula.

Families may also access complimentary or discounted tickets, passes and experiences at local attractions during their stay. Availability varies throughout the year, so check with a member of our Family Services team to see what’s currently available.

Participation is always optional. Join us whenever it works for your family.

Additional Resources

Every family’s situation is unique, and sometimes additional information or support can be helpful during your stay and beyond.

We’ve gathered a collection of trusted resources from across the country, including online support groups, family support organizations, educational resources and services available nationally, locally in Missoula and throughout Montana.

Hand drawn icon of family with heart

Additional Resources

Not sure where to start? Our Family Services team can help find resources for your family.

artwork featuring the word "Hope"

Checking Out

We understand that medical plans and discharge dates can change quickly. When you have an idea of when your family may be checking out, please let our team know, even if the date is tentative. Knowing your anticipated departure time helps us prepare your room for the next family who may be waiting for a place to stay.

Before you leave, please:

  • Strip the bedding from the beds.
  • Place used towels in the laundry basket provided.
  • Check drawers, closets, the bathroom and other spaces for personal belongings.
  • Remove any food from your designated pantry space.
  • Stop by the Front Desk to return your room keys and officially check out.

If your anticipated checkout date changes, just let us know when you can. 

Before You Go

Please take a moment to say goodbye. We are honored to have been part of your family’s journey and would love the opportunity to wish your family well.

Search Ronald McDonald House Chapter Site