On April 3 at 11AM, groundbreaking will take place for the first Ronald McDonald House in Northwest Louisiana. The construction project will take one year, with an expected opening in May 2025. The public is invited to attend the event at 9100 Susan Drive in Shreveport.
The 23,000 sf, 3-story House will have 20 suites and provide families with a safe, relaxing room and comforts of home. It will serve as a home away from home for those with a seriously ill or injured child, up to age 21, in any Shreveport hospital. All services are free to families, reducing stress and financial burdens while providing access to the critical care their child needs. When the Ronald McDonald House opens, families will be referred by their hospital social workers.
The House is expected to serve 7,300 people in the first year. More than $7 million has been donated by individuals, companies, foundations, hospitals, municipalities, and congregations. With a goal of $10 million, gifts of all sizes are still needed, and every dollar stays local to build the House.
Inside will be a large kitchen where volunteers will prepare dinner for families each night, family pantry, and 3-story dining room. There will be indoor and outdoor play areas, laundry, serenity room, family great room, outdoor grilling, and more. Families will have items available for breakfast and lunch, snacks to pack for long days at the hospital, and daily essentials.
Local families with a critically ill child in the hospital not staying overnight may access a “day pass” to utilize first-floor amenities to refresh and recharge while remaining near their child. Transportation will be provided to and from hospitals.
Families who have learned about this Ronald McDonald House have shared personal stories of need. One was Liam’s, a military family. When Liam was born prematurely, he spent 55 days in the NICU in Shreveport. His family had to drive from North Bossier every day – an hour round trip and being away from their 7 year old daughter was difficult.
After discharge Liam began having seizures, was hospitalized, and transferred to a Dallas hospital. Liam’s mom, Audrey Tetrault, said, “Luckily the Dallas social worker asked if we were familiar with Ronald McDonald House. We were relieved to hear we could stay there and that everything was provided at no charge. To know we had a safe place to stay together for free, with meals and so much more, and did not have to worry about whether we could afford it took so much stress off us, and in turn we were able to focus all our attention on Liam.”
When Audrey found out about the groundbreaking for Ronald McDonald House Shreveport-Bossier she said, “I’m super excited there is finally going to be a Ronald McDonald House here! I have no doubt it will be life changing for families. In addition to the drive we made daily, we met another family in the NICU who drove 2 hours each way. They had to leave their child during the week to go to work and only came on the weekends. Had there been a Ronald McDonald House, they would have been able to stay close to their baby. It would have made a world of difference.”
For more information contact Lori Moore 318.840.9100, lori@rmhcar-nla.org or visit RMHShreveport-Bossier.org.
