DULUTH, MN-- Ronald McDonald is coming to Duluth.
Earlier this year, The Essentia Health Foundation announced a partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities Upper Midwest.
It's been a dream 10-years in the making and will become reality next month.
Last week, we got our first look inside the new building.
Based in Minneapolis, the Ronald McDonald House Charities Upper Midwest operates four locations in the Twin Cities and serves more than 6,700 families each year.
"For families whose kids are going through a serious health crisis and are receiving treatment at the hospital," said Jill Evenocheck, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest.
Now, through a hand-in-hand partnership with Essentia Health, the Northland's first Ronald McDonald House is coming to Duluth.
Senior Advisor at Essentia Health, Kris Henry said, "We're just super thrilled that we have the privilege to bring this to the community."
Ronald McDonald House Northland will be located on the 4th floor of Essentia's 5th Ave. building at 503 E. 3rd St.
Evenocheck said, "Actually the whole family moves here. And so we have services in place to take care of those families over a long period of time."
Construction began this summer amid the coronavirus pandemic, slowing the timeline slightly as essential supplies took some time to arrive.
"The most impactful thing that has happened related to COVID is just how long it takes to get some things," said Henry.
The building will have 5-overnight rooms and special amenities to support families.
Essentia's Senior Advisor said, "A very nice common area, along with a kitchen and a dining area. The living room will have a large television and a nice fireplace for families to enjoy."
The organization provides families of young patients a temporary space to call home during a time of uncertainty - at no cost.
"We provide daily meals, snacks, family services including community support, different sorts of game nights, and entertainment," said Evenocheck. "We ask nothing of them. Our support really comes from the community in terms of donations."
For Essentia, the Ronald McDonald House is an extension of the health facilities' mission and values. Henry expressed, "There is no more worthwhile work than to help families in their greatest moment of need."
And the organization's message to struggling families, "Our homes are filled with more than help - they're filled with hope."
Evenocheck stresses, "This will certainly impact and change people's lives."
Essentia and Ronald McDonald House are hoping to have the facility open in January.
Priority for pediatric patient families will be determined by social workers and will be based on the severity of the child's medical needs.
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