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Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) South Florida celebrated a historic milestone on Sept. 9, breaking ground on a $33 million house that will broaden access to family-centered care in the region.
The “Hope has a New Home” groundbreaking ceremony brought together community leaders, healthcare partners, and dedicated supporters to rally around a shared commitment to keeping families together.
Located just steps from Holtz Children’s Hospital at Jackson Memorial Medical Campus, the new seven-story, 60,000-square-foot Ronald McDonald House will almost double present accommodations. The current House, built in 1982 with 31 rooms, is always full. Last year, 128 families were turned away due to space limitations, with an average wait time of 14 days for a room. For families navigating complex diagnoses like pediatric cancer and organ transplants, a two-week wait for a room can be an unimaginable burden. This expansion will enable RMHC South Florida to serve more than 420 families annually, providing 5,740 nights of comfort and eliminating the waitlist for free pediatric lodging.
“When a family receives the heartbreaking news that a child is critically ill or injured, they need a place where they can stay without the added worry of finding lodging,” said Soraya Rivera-Moya, executive director of RMHC South Florida. “This expansion ensures families endure as little additional stress as possible while they concentrate on what matters most, the health of their child and each other. This house symbolizes our commitment to ensuring that no family has to face their struggles alone.”
“We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with RMHC South Florida, ensuring that our Holtz Children’s Hospital patients and their families have the comfort and support they need during some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” said Carlos A. Migoya, CEO at Jackson Health System. “We’re deeply grateful to our community partners and donors for their unwavering commitment, allowing families to focus on what matters most – healing.”
The ceremony also featured remarks from several key leaders, including Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who emphasized the county’s strong commitment to children’s health. The event featured a special invocation by Archbishop Thomas Wenski of the Archdiocese of Miami, as well as comments from Peter Amaro, a board member of the Maestro Cares Foundation, who expressed his support for families in South Florida.
The new home-away-from-home will feature 54 private guestrooms, each accommodating up to four family members, along with laundry facilities on every floor. It also will offer state-of-the-art kitchen and dining areas, including private family kitchens and a large communal kitchen for enjoying Meals from the Heart.
Designed with families in mind, the new house includes strategically placed gathering spaces, a private Contemplation Suite, and a family business center. A large seventh-floor communal space and a rooftop will provide families with an area to gather and enjoy fresh air after long days at the hospital.
This ambitious project was made possible through the collaboration of key partners, including CAMCON Group, Paragon Development, and Justin Architects PA. Construction is expected to be completed within 18 to 24 months, with detailed dates to be announced as milestones are achieved.
“We are honored to join Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida in breaking ground on this new home, our third project with RMHC and first in South Florida. At Maestro Cares, we believe every child deserves the chance to dream big, and through partnerships like this, we are changing lives and building futures,” said Marc Anthony, global music icon and co-founder of the Maestro Cares Foundation.
RMHC South Florida has raised $26 million of its $33 million goal. The final $7 million is needed to open the new House debt-free. To contribute to the “Hope Has a New Home” Capital Campaign and help build hope for families, visit rmhcsouthflorida.org.
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