First Street Residence Hall becomes "Healing Heroes Home" at UM-Flint

The University of Michigan-Flint is opening the First Street Residence Hall to area medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning Friday, April 3, UM-Flint will provide doctors and nurses working at Genesee County hospitals a welcoming, safe and convenient place to get much needed and deserved rest from their duties.  During this period, the residence hall has been renamed the Healing Heroes Home.

The First Street Residence Hall is no longer housing students with the move of students to the Riverfront Residence Hall. In a short time, UM-Flint staff prepared the space, creating a temporary home for doctors and nurses working at Genesee County hospitals treating COVID-19 patients.

"The role of a university is to be a community partner in good times and bad," said Deba Dutta, Chancellor of UM-Flint. "When we heard of the need for a place for these medical professionals to get a break that would keep them and their families safe, we knew our residence hall would be an optimal space for them. We are proud to step up and help these heroes at this critical time."

The residence hall will be used exclusively by medical professionals as needed until further notice. The spaces offer bedrooms, bath space and kitchens. Guests who opt to use the space are paying a nominal fee of $20 per night to stay in the space to cover the cost of maintenance of the rooms. There is no charge for guests to park on campus, and they will have access to free wi-fi services during their stay.

Medical professionals who are interested will be able to sign up through a form at umflint.edu/lodging beginning on April 2. They may also call 810.237.6571 for information.

"In a time of extreme stress, doctors and nurses need a place of comfort where they can get away, knowing that they are keeping their families safe from the spread of the virus," said Dutta. "We will make every effort to create a pleasant environment so they are refreshed and ready to serve the citizens of Genesee County during this unprecedented moment in history."