We are excited to announce that on February 18, 2025, the first phase of the Westside Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House officially opened its doors, offering a supportive space for up to 11 families on our second floor.
This newly opened area features 11 guest rooms and a variety of shared family spaces, including a fully equipped kitchen, a bright and welcoming dining room, a spacious business and volunteer hub, a cozy family room, and a large laundry room. Our Westside House will now provide vital support to families with children being treated at UCLA Children's Hospital, St. John's Children's Hospital, and Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children's Hospital. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California purchased the Hilgard House Hotel in the heart of Westwood Village with the vision of transforming it into a 33-room Ronald McDonald House, the 7th in Southern California. While we continue to raise funds to begin full construction and renovations, the urgent need for local, no-cost housing for families of patients at UCLA Children's Hospital drove us to act quickly. As the only children's hospital in California without a nearby Ronald McDonald House, they were in desperate need of such support. Thanks to strong partnerships with our RMHC Global office and RMHC Southern California Chapter, our Westside Los Angeles Executive Director received approval to start construction, opening 11 rooms on one floor to immediately begin helping families. Our Westside House is now open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing a warm, homelike environment where families can stay together while their child undergoes treatment for life-threatening conditions. The house is conveniently located within walking distance of UCLA Children's Hospital, as well as local shopping, churches, and family-friendly activities. Executive Director Kelly Herman shared, “Seeing the relief and joy in the faces of families who have been traveling long distances for their children's care reaffirms our decision to open these 11 rooms. To witness a parent walking to the hospital with coffee in hand or strolling their child down our tree-lined streets, knowing they’re in a safe, caring space; it’s everything to our Westside team. Opening this house has already made a profound impact on these families’ lives, and we’re committed to continuing our efforts to fully complete the Ronald McDonald House. Our mission is to provide unwavering comfort, care, and support to children and their families.”
