FLINT, MI -- A $100,000 grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation is allowing the University of Michigan-Flint to continue to provide free housing to local healthcare workers.

The grant allows the university to continue to waive a fee of $20 per night for maintenance and cleaning of the First Street Residence Hall, where local healthcare workers have been able to stay since April 3, said Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Chris Giordano. Originally, the university was able to eliminate the charge due to a private donation.

UM-Flint turns residence halls into resting space for medical professionals

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. The funding also helps pay for linens, towels and building maintenance, according to the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

This housing space is currently called the Healing Heroes Home in honor of these medical professionals treating COVID-19 patients during the pandemic.

A bedroom, bathroom and kitchen area are available per unit. There is no charge for parking and workers have access to free wi-fi.

More than 30 health care workers are currently using the space, which can house up to 60 people, said Giordano.

“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,” Giordano said. “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.”

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