Cancer and Blood Diseases Center

There are several housing options for out-of-town patients and families who don’t need to stay overnight in the hospital.

The Ronald McDonald House (www.ronaldmcdonaldhouseboston.org)

• Families must live more than 20 miles from Boston and have a child aged 21 or younger treated for cancer at Children’s Hospital Boston and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
• Fifteen-minute walk from DF/CHCC; transportation to/from your appointments is not provided.
• The cost is $10/night, up to a maximum of $200/month.
• To stay at the House, call 617-734-3333 after 9 a.m. the day before you need a room. Please note that the Ronald McDonald House does not take advance reservations and is temporary housing.

Hotels

• There are many hotel options at variable rates available in the Boston area.
• The closest hotel is the Best Western Inn at Longwood Medical.

Hospitality Homes (www.hosp.org)

• Hospitality Homes hosts are volunteers who open their homes to provide a clean and comfortable place to sleep and access to a bathroom. They do not provide meals or transportation.
• Distance to DF/CHCC varies, though most live in areas with access to public transportation (subway or buses).
• Hospitality Homes charges no fees.
• To request a Hospitality Home, you must complete an application. Applications are accepted online and by phone at 888-595-4678 (toll-free) or 617-482-4338.

Housing rentals

• Short-term and long-term housing rentals are very expensive in and around Boston.
• Families interested in renting an apartment are responsible for making their own arrangements.
• In general, one-bedroom apartments start at $1,200/month, not including heat, electricity and phone.
• Contact our resource specialists at 617-632-6080 for estimated costs and a list of local realtors and apartment buildings.

State-subsidized (Section 8) housing

• Section 8 housing is a federal assistance program that helps low-income, permanent residents of Massachusetts pay for their housing.
• This is only applicable if you will be moving permanently to the Boston area.
• Families must apply for subsidized housing themselves. (If needed, a member of the child’s medical team will write a letter advocating on behalf of the family’s application.)
• It is very difficult to get subsidized housing. Applicants often must wait years before they get a placement.

Additional information

• For more information on housing options, contact the Accommodation Line at 617-919-3450 or familyhousing@childrens.harvard.edu.