Parents of children receiving treatment at Phoenix Children’s now have access to both overnight accommodations and a new day use program at the Cambridge House on the hospital’s campus, following more than a year of extensive renovations.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona celebrated the grand re-opening of its Cambridge House, 1980 E. Cambridge Ave., on Wednesday, Dec. 11 with a ceremony before families began moving in later in the day, a press release explained.

It will serve as the home away from home for up to 18 families every night, including weekends and holidays.

First opened in 2008, Cambridge House is one of the three locations operated by RMHCCNAZ where parents and children can live while their child receives hospital care. 

The facility had been closed for 15 months, and the four-story structure with 12 guest rooms and six apartments was completely remodeled, updated and refurnished at a cost of approximately $4.5 million, according to the release.

RMHCCNAZ CEO  Kerry Schulman said in the release that they are grateful to the donors and contractors for the opportunity to give the facility much needed improvements for the families there.

“Throughout the renovation process we have been able to welcome parents of children receiving hospital care Phoenix Children’s at our nearby Roanoke House location,” Schulman said.

Beginning in 2025, Cambridge House will also be home to the nonprofit’s first Day Use program in Maricopa County.

The day use program will provide a welcoming environment for families with a child receiving care at Phoenix Children’s Hospital – Thomas Campus who live within 30 miles of the hospital and are not eligible to stay overnight at Cambridge House. 

These families will have access to the same essential resources as overnight guests, including a family room, community kitchen, shaded playground, showers, laundry facility and other amenities, enabling them to rest and recharge while remaining close to the hospital.

Schulman said that the program expands their ability to meet families where they are.

“Whether a family needs a place to take a break or prepare a meal, the Cambridge House is here to provide comfort and support during their most difficult moments,” she said. 

Six guest apartments were remodeled with a $250,000 donation from the Arizona Diamondback’s Foundation, and a new, shaded playground has been installed at Cambridge House courtesy of a $100,000 Devin Booker Starting Five grant, according to the release.

The remodel of Cambridge House includes sustainability into its design with a solar canopy system and two electric vehicle charging stations. The shaded parking spaces and EV charging stations were installed to further enhance the residential experience for guest families.

“The renovations and new solar capabilities at the Cambridge House represent our commitment to being responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us for providing family care and ensuring sustainability for many years to come,” Schulman said. 

RMHCCNAZ operates three Houses in the Phoenix-area – two near Phoenix Children’s (Roanoke House and Cambridge House) and one near Banner Children’s at Desert in Mesa (Dobson House).

Volunteers provide, prepare and serve dinner for guest families at all three locations Sunday through Friday evenings and brunch on Saturday mornings. To learn more about becoming a Dinnertime Hero or a Brunch Buddy or to sign up visit rmhccnaz.org/meals.

For more about RMHCCNAZ or how to get involved, visit rmhccnaz.org.