CLEVLEAND -- The Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland will break ground next week on an expansion project that will increase the number of families the facility can serve.

The groundbreaking is scheduled for June 5, on a 20,000 square foot expansion.

When completed, Cleveland Ronald McDonald House will be able to accommodate 54 families at a time, up from the current 37.

Ronald McDonald House says over the last four years, it has had its highest occupancy rate in 33 years. The demand follows an increase in pediatric services at area hospitals.  During that same time, the organization says some 3,000 families had to be turned away due to lack of available rooms.

"The dramatic increase and demand for our services far exceeds the House's current capacities. We're keeping pace with the increased demands and answering the needs of the families by constructing this wing which will add much needed space for us," said Craig Wilson, Executive Director of RMH, "We are also renovating and reconfiguring current space to better serve our families who are in desperate need of our services."

To undertake the project, Ronald McDonald House launched a $12 million capital campaign.

WKYC-TV