Mott Foundation grant provides funding for Healing Heroes Home at UM-Flint

UM-Flint will continue to provide housing to area medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. And now, a local grant ensures that this housing will remain free of charge.

A $100,000 grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation allows the university to continue waiving a fee of $20 per night for maintenance and cleaning, said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Chris Giordano. Private donations initially enabled the university to eliminate this charge.

"We have an important role to play within the Flint community in good times or bad, and feel fortunate that we are able to contribute in this way," said Giordano. "We are also extremely grateful to the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and the private donors who have enabled us to provide this service without charging these health care heroes for utilizing our housing."

Since April 3, the university has provided rooms at its First Street Residence Hall to health care workers from local hospitals. This housing space is currently called the Healing Heroes Home in honor of these medical professionals treating COVID-19 patients during the pandemic. The housing provides a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen area per unit. There is no charge for parking and guests have access to free wi-fi service during their stay.

More than thirty health care workers are currently utilizing the space. The facility can house up to 60 people for this purpose, said Giordano.

The grant supports costs associated with disinfection services and biohazard cleaning of each suite in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The funding also helps pay for linens, towels, and building maintenance, according to the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.