GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Davenport University announced Monday that it has reached an agreement to offer housing to first responders of both Metro Health – University of Michigan Health fighting COVID-19 and the Kent County Emergency Operations Center and Sheriff’s Office.
“It’s incredibly important to Davenport University, that we serve as a good partner and neighbor during this difficult time," said Dr. Richard J. Pappas, president of Davenport University. “Offering our residence apartments is just one more way that we can offer support to the healthcare workers and first responders who are serving on the front lines of this pandemic.”
Both organizations were looking for housing for staff who were worried about going home because they may have been exposed to COVID-19 during the course of their work, or because they may have a family member who is presumed positive and they cannot afford to be exposed themselves.
Both organizations will be given separate buildings in the Davenport University apartments located at Panther Ridge for minimal risk for spreading coronavirus. T. Additional rooms will be made available as needed.
“We are incredibly humbled by the support that we have received from our community during the COVID19 crisis,” said Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young. “This collaboration with Davenport University, Metro Health, and Kent County Emergency Management is a clear example of leaders in our community working together to protect those we serve. We are sincerely grateful for their sacrifice and generosity.”
Earlier this month, Davenport University also donated nearly 16,000 pieces of personal protection equipment (PPE) from its health and science labs to support local hospital across the state. The donations included gloves, gowns, masks, shoe covers, goggles, and lab coats.
