The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974 as the result of the perseverance and dedication of Fred Hill, then a Philadelphia Eagles football player. After his daughter Kim, was treated for leukemia at the local children’s hospital, Hill became determined to help other families faced with the same situation. Very few institutions at the time provided sufficient accommodations for such families. Dr. Audrey Evans, a pediatric oncologist at Children’s Hospital, suggested that a "home away from home" was needed. Hill enlisted the help of his teammates and the local McDonald’s restaurant franchises to raise funds to purchase and renovate the first House.

There are now over 269 Ronald McDonald Houses in 30 countries. All told, more than 3,000 bedrooms are available for families every night. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk Inc provides 17 of those 3,000 plus bedrooms.

Leaving Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters after a long day with their sick child, parents walk out the hospital door physically and emotionally drained. Without the Ronald McDonald House many families would be forced to commute daily often for long distances, to be with their hospitalized children. On December 10, 1981, the Tidewater Ronald McDonald House opened its doors at 404 Colley Avenue in Norfolk. The effort was lead by a group of concerned parents, Children’s Hospital representatives, and the Tidewater McDonald’s Association. Located within in walking distance of the Children’s Hospital of Kings Daughters, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk, Inc. is truly a house that love built. The three-story colonial style brick house was designed and decorated with the physical and emotional comforts of its guest in mind. Cheerful, yet subdued colors are used throughout the house and the large comfortable rooms provide a place for quiet retreat. The House originally began with only eight bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room, living room, playroom and laundry facilities. To accommodate more families Ronald McDonald House Charities of Norfolk Inc., added nine more bedrooms, a bigger kitchen, playroom, boardroom, quiet room and handicap room in 2001.