In 1982, the Junior League of Galveston County, Inc. began to study

the feasibility of providing housing for the immediate families of the

children hospitalized in Galveston.  After more than four years of work

and research, Help Us Give Support, Inc. (HUGS of Galveston), a

non-profit corporation, was established to direct the building and

management of a Ronald McDonald House in Galveston.

 

The Capital Campaign began in the fall of 1986 and was successfully

completed thanks to support from many individuals, businesses, corporations

and foundations.  The generosity of the Sealy and Smith Foundation enabled construction to begin in the spring of 1988.  The Grand Opening was held in May 1989, and families have occupied the House since June 1989.  The high occupancy rate experienced by our House is proof positive of the continuing need for our facility.

 

In 1997 the name Help Us Give Support, Inc. was legally changed to The Ronald McDonald House of Galveston. Our local Ronald McDonald House is independently owned and operated. However, we operate as a Ronald McDonald House under a license agreement signed with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oakbrook, Illinois.

 

A needs assessment, completed in 1999, showed we not only needed an outdoor covered play area, but interior play space and storage to accommodate our many burned outpatients and those children who are immuno-suppressed.  After nine years of planning, property acquisition and fundraising the Playground/Expansion Project was completed on September 1, 2008.  We are excited about our 2021 outdoor playground project to be complete by the first quarter. 

 

Hurricane Ike dealt our community a devastating blow, and our House experienced damage caused by almost eight feet of storm surge.  We made repairs and mitigated damage so future storms would not have significant impact again. We were determined to rise above the disaster and face our new tomorrow with perseverance, hope, and optimism.

 

The Ronald McDonald House of Galveston is truly fortunate to have widespread community support.  Our House is filled with hope.  Hope that each family will see a better tomorrow.  Hope that today’s treatment will make a difference.  Hope that we will see each child live, and thrive and grow to be a happy and productive adult.

 

On behalf of the Board of Directors, volunteers, staff, families and all the kids, we say thank you for being a part of our House and for making a difference in a life of a child.