For more than three decades, Ronald McDonald House Charities South Texas has served as a home away from home for families whose children are being treated at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. Now, the nonprofit is planning its largest expansion yet, a six-story facility designed to serve more families and provide a more comfortable, supportive environment.
The nonprofit’s CEO, Michelle Horine, tells KRIS 6 the decision to expand came after years of growing demand that far exceeded the organization’s capacity.
“In 2018, we started seeing our occupancy increasing, and by 2019 we had one of our highest years,” Horine said. “When COVID hit, we had some restrictions, but we never closed our doors. Once we came out of the pandemic, our waitlist was unbelievable.”
The current Ronald McDonald House, built in 1990, includes 25 guest rooms. On any given day, Horine said, as many as 23 families are waiting for a room and some wait up to three months…