For Families: Hospital Housing


To provide a family-centered supportive residence for children and their families while receiving medical treatment.  We believe in keeping families together in the midst of medical crisis, to reduce stress, to promote self-help and mutual support.  We believe that the highest standards of service and unparalleled hospitality help to create a unique healing environment, where families find hope and comfort. 

Please watch the video tour below to become familiar with The Children’s House before your stay.

Amenities

While staying in our hospital housing facility, we aim to provide you with a home-away-from-home while your child is in the hospital. Below are some of the amenities we offer you at The Children’s House:

Communal Areas

  •  2 Kitchens (each family will receive personal pantry and refrigerator space)
  • Dining Room
  • TV Room
  • Fireplace
  • Library
  • Relaxation/Wellness Room
    • Meditation corner
    • Relaxation loungers
    • Peloton Bike and Elliptical
    • Assortment of light weights/exercise bands
  • Meeting Room
    • Computer work station/wireless printer
  • Recreation Room
    • Arcade Machine, Fusball Table, Air Hockey table, Pool Table
  • Video Game Room
    • PS4, Xbox, Wii U, Nintendo Switch
  • Playroom/Toys
  • Courtyard
    • Grill
    • Picnic Tables
    • Healing Gardens
  • Laundry Rooms (coin/credit card operated)

Guestrooms

  • 2 Queen Beds (linens, blankets and pillows provided)
  • Recliner
  • Desk
  • Television
  • Wardrobe
  • Dresser
  • Private Bathroom (towels and hair dryer provided)
  • Telephone (local calls only)
  • Rollaway bed (upon request)
  • The Children's House at Johns Hopkins entry
  • The Children's House at Johns Hopkins Fireplace
  • The Children's House at Johns Hopkins Wellness room
  • The Children's House at Johns Hopkins Starway of stars
  • The Children's House at Johns Hopkins game room
  • The Children's House at Johns Hopkins game room
  • The Children's House at Johns Hopkins game room
  • The Children's House at Johns Hopkins family room
  • The Children's House at Johns Hopkins guest room
  • The Children's House at Johns Hopkins kitchen
  • The Children's House at Johns Hopkins library

Eligibility and Room Request

Eligibility

  • Patients 17 years old or younger and their families
  • Patients ages 18-21, if being treated by a pediatric doctor, will be considered on a case-by-case basis
  • Family resides at least 25 miles from The Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. (Mileage exceptions will be made for shock trauma, oncology, and transplant patients)
  • If parents are under the age of 21, a guardian will need to stay with them in order to be eligible for housing
  • Rooms are prioritized based on critical medical necessity
  • Cleared criminal background check for each prospective resident 18 years or older
    • For international families without a social security number, a valid passport/VISA is required (expired passports are not considered valid)

Background Check

We strive to create a healing and safe environment for our residents and in order to meet the needs of our families while maintaining a safe haven for the children, patients, and members of their family. All persons age 18 and older will be required to complete a criminal background check every 2 years, as a basis for receiving accommodations at our facility. Click here to read our background check FAQs.

Room Request/Referrals

Information for your Stay

Important Health Information

We ask families to be aware of the fragile health of those who stay at The Children’s House. Should you or anyone accompanying you experience any of the following symptoms, please contact us at 410.614.2560 as soon as possible:

  • Exposure in the past three weeks, prior to check-in to anyone with COVID-19, chickenpox, shingles, measles, tuberculosis, or any other contagious diseases that could pose a threat to others
  • Cold symptoms (example: runny nose, cough, sore throat)
  • Fever in the 24 hours prior to check-in
  • Stomach bug symptoms (example: diarrhea, vomiting)
  • Rash
  • Exposure to an Antibiotic Resistant Disease (MRSA, VRE etc)

Check-in and Check-out

  • Families may check-in between 2pm and 8pm. We ask that you please arrive by 8pm so we can provide a proper orientation/tour of the house without disturbing other families. (Later arrivals must be approved/coordinated with our Director of Family Services in advance.  410.614.2560
  • For each adult 18 and over, a valid, photo identification is required upon check-in.
  • One vehicle per family is permitted to park in our gated parking lot.  (upon arrival, park in front of the house, we will assist you to unload your car and then direct you to our parking lot.)
  • Check-out is by 12 Noon on day of departure.
  • If you have a late appointment or flight, you are welcome to store your belongings with us and relax in our common areas until your departure.

During your Stay

House Rules

  • Just like any home, The Children’s House has rules and guidelines for its guests. We ask that you please follow the following guidelines during your stay, so that we may provide a safe and comfortable place for all families who are visiting. Failure to comply with our rules may result in forfeiture of your privilege to stay with us. 

Sign In and Out

  • For the guest’s safety, we ask each resident to sign in and out as they leave or enter the residence. In case of an emergency, this is our way of knowing who is present in the building. 

Security

  • As in any city, one should always take safety precautions. Johns Hopkins security guards are located outside near our residence from 6am-10pm. If you’d feel more secure, the hospital offers complimentary security escorts for patients and visitors. 
  • The Children’s House has security cameras installed both inside the building within the common areas and around the outside perimeter.
  • A staff member is on site 24 hours/day.

Housekeeping/Room Checks

  • Families are responsible for maintaining their rooms during their stay.  Keeping their rooms clean at all times. There are vacuum cleaners and cleaning supplies available in the laundry rooms on each floor. We ask that you clean kitchen areas/dishes after use and place all items properly in the dishwasher. Food and Beverages (with the exception of water) are NOT permitted in the guestrooms. Please consume all food and beverages in kitchen and dining rooms areas only.
  • Routine room checks will be performed weekly by staff members. 
  • If your room requires maintenance (HVAC issue, toilet or shower problems, etc.), please report the problem to a staff member as soon as possible. Please be aware that maintenance or staff may enter your room to perform the request while the room is vacant.

Services

Complimentary Services

  • Continental Breakfast: Served 7:30am-10am
  • Wireless internet access:  Password will be provided upon check-in.
  • Family Suppers: Served nightly at 6pm (Mondays only at 5pm)
  • Van Shuttle Service:  As available/upon request.
  • Free Food Pantries: families can help themselves

Items Available for Families

  • Iron/Ironing Board
  • Cribs/Pack ‘n Plays
  • Roll-away beds
  • Shower chairs
  • Strollers
  • Car seats/Boosters
  • High chairs
  • Mini refrigerators (medicine/breast milk)
  • DVDs and video games
  • iPads for checkout

Activities

Tickets to local Attractions

  • Baltimore Zoo
  • Maryland Science Center
  • Port Discovery Children’s Museum
  • National Aquarium
  • B&O Railroad Museum
  • Orioles and Ravens Games (as available/seasonal)
  • Therapy Dogs
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Massage Therapy
  • Seasonal Activities (Family BBQ’s, ice cream parties, marshmallow roasting, cookie baking, gingerbread housing decorating, and much more!)

Getting Around

  • Parking: One vehicle per family is permitted to park in our gated parking lot. Paid parking is available next door to our lot. (Credit Card only)
  • Hospital: We are located ½ block to Johns Hopkins Hospital. Need to get to the Outpatient Center? Or Kennedy Krieger? Courtesy shuttles are provided free of charge for Johns Hopkins patients and visitors traveling around the Hopkins Campus. The shuttle service will pick up and drop off at The Children’s House. See a staff member for schedule details. 410-502-6880  
  • Airport: BWI Airport is located 11 miles from The Children’s House. Cab/car service is suggested. 

FAQ’s

Who can stay at The Children’s House?

  • Patients 17 years old or younger and their families
  • Patients ages 18-21, if being treated by a pediatric doctor, will be considered on a case-by-case basis
  • Family resides at least 25 miles from The Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. (Mileage exceptions will be made for shock trauma, oncology, and transplant patients)
  • If parents are under the age of 21, a guardian will need to stay with them in order to be eligible for housing
  • Rooms are prioritized based on critical medical necessity

How can I book a stay at The Children’s House?

Please reach out to your social worker or medical coordinator and they will submit a housing referral on your behalf.

How do the referral selection and waiting list work?

A tentative schedule is planned midway through the month for the following month, leaving room for emergency cases and extensions of current families in the house. Generally, if we are able to confirm a room request, you will be contacted 1-2 weeks prior to your requested check-in date. If we do not have a room available for your requested dates, you will automatically be placed on the waiting list. The waiting list is not maintained on a first-come, first-served basis. Children in the greatest medical need are considered first, followed by any outpatient and one-night visits.

What is the fee for staying at The Children’s House?

There is no cost to stay at The Children’s House.  However, as a nonprofit, we ask those families who are able, to contribute a suggested room donation of $20 per night. It costs $125 per night to operate and maintain each room at our hospital housing facilities, therefore any donation is appreciated which allows us to make our facility and services available to other families in need.  Donations are typically made at checkout but are accepted anytime.  

Am I able to have a third party pay my room donation?

Yes. Insurance, friends, relatives, donors or other organizations can cover the partial or full cost of your stay. Please provide us with the necessary information so we can collect payment from any and all parties. The paying party may also contact our Family Care Coordinator with any questions or to arrange payment.

What happens if I can’t get a room at The Children’s House?

If The Children’s House is full, families are referred to their social worker who will assist in making alternative arrangements. We can also provide names of a few local hotels if needed.

How many family members can stay in a room?

Due to fire codes, no more than six people can stay in a room. Only one room is allowed per family. Each room has two queen size beds, with cots and portable cribs available upon request.

Do you provide transportation for families?

To Hospital: The Children’s House is located a half block from Johns Hopkins Hospital, so transport is not necessary or recommended to and from the hospital. Upon special request, Johns Hopkins has a complimentary shuttle that will take you to many of the Hopkins buildings/Kennedy Krieger Institute.

To Airport: Unfortunately, we are not able to provide transportation to or from the airport, but we can help you arrange for local airport shuttles and/or cab services.

Around Town: For transportation to the grocery store or local attractions, we can occasionally arrange van service based upon availability, just ask a Children’s House staff member. Instacart and other delivery services are also available online.

Where do I park?

If you are traveling by car, you will receive one free parking pass upon check in for the gated lot directly behind the Believe In Tomorrow Children’s House at Johns Hopkins.

Do you provide meals?

We provide a continental breakfast each weekday morning from 7:30am-10am. We have volunteer groups that come most evenings and provide a family supper that is served at 6pm. We also have volunteers that provide baked goods and brunches on select days. Aside from these meals, you will need to provide the majority of your groceries throughout your stay. We do provide some food items in our “Free Food” pantries.

Do you have wireless Internet?

Yes, there is wifi throughout the house and a password will be provided upon arrival.

While my child is in the hospital, what can my other children do?

All children under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while staying at Believe In Tomorrow’s hospital housing facilities. No child may be left in the house or bedroom unmonitored. Believe In Tomorrow does not provide babysitting services, but other family members (grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc.) or friends are welcome to visit to allow both parents a chance to see their child in the hospital. In addition to playrooms, many fun activities are available to all members of the family.

Can family and friends send cards or care packages while staying at the house?

Yes. Packages, letters, cards, and flowers can be sent and will be held at the front desk or put in your mail slot. Please direct everything to be sent to:

The Believe In Tomorrow Children’s House
Attn: [Family Name & Room Number]
1915 McElderry Street
Baltimore, MD 21205

What security measures are in place?

The safety and well-being of our families is a top priority at Believe In Tomorrow’s hospital housing facilities. Both facilities are locked 24/7, accessible only with a unique key given to each family. Johns Hopkins Hospital security monitors the gated parking lot and surrounding premises and is also available to escort you to/from the hospital upon request.