Ronald McDonald House Utrecht presents plans for new, larger House with 50 rooms

“When your child is seriously ill in the hospital, you want nothing more than to be close to them,” says Agatha Kleis, manager of Huis Utrecht. “Unfortunately, such a place is needed more often than we can currently offer. We have a waiting list every day. With the new building, we will be able to offer more families a warm home in the future, just a few minutes’ walk from their sick child.”

Need for the Ronald McDonald House

The Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital and the Princess Máxima Center treat seriously ill children from all over the Netherlands and even from far beyond their borders. As a parent, you want only one thing: to be as close as possible to your child. Parents also indicate that a place in a Ronald McDonald House makes it easier for them to care for their sick child.

Pressure on the current House

Since its opening in 1990, Ronald McDonald House Utrecht has offered families a temporary home. In 2024 alone, 1,853 families stayed at the House for an average of six days. The current building on Lundlaan has 31 rooms, while the Buitenhuis in De Bilt has 6. Despite previous expansions, demand continues to exceed supply, with families on a waiting list every day.

A sustainable and welcoming new home

The plans are being developed in valuable collaboration with UMC Utrecht and the municipality of Utrecht. As committed partners, they are contributing ideas for a future-proof location where families can stay close together and how we will jointly design the new reception area. With 50 guest rooms, the new House will offer significantly more comfort and privacy. Its location at Utrecht Science Park means parents can reach their children within minutes, even at night.

For the development of the new House, Ronald McDonald House Utrecht is collaborating with project management firm RYSE, OZ Architect, Heyligers Architects, Salverda Bouw B.V., Halmos B.V., Pieters Bouwtechniek Utrecht B.V., and Bouwkostenadvies TIMM, among others.

Another 3 million euros needed

A significant amount of money is needed to build the new House. In recent years, committed companies, donors, and initiatives like HomeSport Events have already raised a significant amount of money, but another three million euros are still needed. This support will remain essential in the future to keep the House running after the new construction.

Everyone can help: with a donation, a fundraising event, participating in HomeSport Events, or sponsoring a room. Together, we’re building a warm and welcoming place for families. Want to know more or contribute? Visit www.kinderfonds.nl/huis-utrecht/bouw-mee.

About Ronald McDonald House Utrecht

Ronald McDonald House Utrecht offers families of seriously ill children a place to be close, day and night. Parents and siblings can stay overnight to read a story, give a goodnight kiss, or simply be there when every second counts.

The House operates without government support or subsidies and exists thanks to the indispensable support of donors, sponsors, and companies. The daily warm welcome, a listening ear and a homely atmosphere are made possible by more than 250 dedicated volunteers, who dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to every family that stays in the House.