House of Hope, Tucson, Arizona
by: Tony Paniagua | Arizona Public Media

There are multiple Ronald McDonald Houses throughout the U.S. Tucson's is the 21st.

The house opened its doors on Speedway Boulevard 30 years ago but moved to a much larger facility in 2007. It's a 24,000-square-foot structure with 28 bedrooms, four kitchens and other amenities.

But despite its more expansive setting, administrators say the main mission remains the same: to provide a "home away from home" for families who are facing serious and often unexpected crises.

In cases of severe injuries or illnesses that require medical attention in another city, relatives can be very stressed out by also having to find a place to stay they can afford. That makes the house a welcome option.

Administrators in Tucson say they are serving over 700 families a year at a daily cost of $90 per family, although families are asked to contribute just $15 if they can afford it. The house has less than a dozen employees but more than 60 volunteers who make its mission possible. Donations are also essential, since the house is responsible for raising about 90 percent of its annual operating costs.

Volunteers, cooks-for-a-day and others are essential for the house's daily operations.

For Las Vegas resident Travis Honani, the house has been a blessing since his arrival in Tucson with his baby boy, Riley. Riley was born with a rare intestinal condition that will require an organ transplant, so the family is on standby in case a match becomes available.

“This was the nearest place in the Southwest that could be able to handle it, otherwise we would have to go back east, closest would be Omaha," he says. "All our family is close here, so we chose Tucson."

Tucson's Ronald McDonald House is celebrating its 30th year in the city.

Tucson resident Jeanne Herron says the house holds a special place in her heart, because her daughter stayed in one when she needed medical attention in Phoenix. And while Jeanne Kathleen, Herron's daughter, passed away ten years ago, her mom continues to donate and volunteer at the facility in Tucson.

"It’s been great. It probably does as much for me as it does for them," says Herron, a retired school administrator.

Feb. 14, 2011 was the house's official 30th anniversary in Tucson, but employees and volunteers are planning other activities throughout the year.