Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest

Celebrating 35 Years in the Inland Northwest!

Since opening its original House in 1987, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest now has three locations to provide a “Home-Away-From-Home” to 64 families each night in the Inland Northwest. The Houses provide the convenience of a comfortable room and warm bed, a home-cooked meal, support, and compassion – all while keeping families whose children are seriously ill or injured close to Spokane and Coeur d’Alene area hospitals.

Highlights From the Past 35 Years

1987
Grand Opening

Spokane's Ronald McDonald House opens with 14 guest rooms to provide a "Home-Away-From-Home" for families around the region seeking medical treatment in Spokane.

1989
"The Strongest Bond"

Dorothy Fowler dedicates her Bronze sculpture "The Strongest Bond" to Ronald McDonald House as a testament to the unfailing power of a mother's love.

2000
South House Expansion

Due to a growing wait list, RMHC INW undergoes an expansion that will add 8 guest rooms, including long-term suites for families with extended stays.

2003
Family Rooms

Sacred Heart Children's Hospital is completed, and 2 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms are opened to provide a place of rest and respite to families inside the hospital while their child receives care.

2009
Care Mobile Unit

Ronald McDonald House launches the Care Mobile Unit in Central Washington as a joint venture with the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic.

2017
Name Change

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Spokane changes its name to Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest (RMHC INW).

2019
Northern Idaho House

RMHC INW opens the 8-bedroom Northern Idaho House on the campus of Kootanai Health in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho as well as the Walden House (housing for adult patients).

2020
Spokane Campus Expansion

RMHC INW opens the Spokane Campus North House (across the street from the original house), adding 34 guest rooms, 10 of those rooms designed for long-term stays. The expansion brings the Spokane Campus' total guest rooms to 56 and eliminated the wait list.

Our Families and Our Stories

No matter where our families are traveling from, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest is here for them, allowing them to stay close together during a difficult and stressful time in their lives. It is through this shared experience that we see some of the strongest bonds and friendships form amongst children and family caregivers.

Stay tuned throughout the year! We will have ongoing updates and stories that capture our 35 years of serving families so far.

"It’s very hard to put into words what it feels like to stay here because it really is like home, family included! This is one of the most important and inspiring experiences I will ever have in my life."
The Babino Family
Lewiston, ID
"This endeavor was incredibly difficult having our daughter in the NICU for so long. The RMHC INW was a beacon of hope for us."
The Coe Family
Western Washington
"Because of RMHC INW my daughter Raquel has a place to call home while she goes through chemotherapy. We've had time to bond and heal here as mother as daughter."
The Cardoza Family
Tri-Cities, WA

Celebrate 35 Years at One of Our Upcoming Events

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Take a Part of Our History Home

In 2018, the Give Love Public Art Project & Benefit was the 3rd art project facilitated by The Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest. Fiberglass hearts (42” W x 31”H x 20“D) were decorated by local artists and put on displace in 2018. Some of these hearts are still available, and you can bring one home now!

Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest will receive all the proceeds raised from heart purchases.

The Spokane Family Campus expansion is complete and RMHC INW is now serving more families than ever before.

As of January 2022, the Build Hope Give Love capital campaign has raised $14.6 million, or 83% of it’s $17.5 million goal. In 2022, RMHC INW is focused on expanding its outreach efforts and completing the $2.9 million needed to fully fund the expansion.