On March 20, New Haven Mayor Mr. Justin Elicker contacted Yale University and the University of New Haven (UNH) about assisting efforts against Covid-19 by offering dorms to first responders and healthcare workers who have vulnerable family members, are awaiting test results, or have been exposed to the virus. Fearing the possibility of spreading the disease to their family members, these workers need a temporary place to stay.
After Mayor Elicker reached out to UNH for aid in housing 180 firemen and police officers, UNH President Mr. Steven Kaplan immediately agreed to house first responders in the university’s residence halls. “To be able to serve police and fire personnel in this way was an honor for the university,” UNH Associate Vice President for Marketing and Public Relations Mr. Doug Whiting said. “Whether it’s making empty rooms available for first responders or medical personnel, it seems the least our institutions of higher education can do in this time of need.”
UNH focuses on providing housing for workers from four municipalities — New Haven, West Haven, East Haven, and Mil- ford, and as of last week, several dozen fire and police personnel have already moved in. Utilizing five different residence halls, UNH prepared 300 beds in total.
Only completely vacated rooms are being used, with each room disinfected before and after occupancy. Workers that test positive for Covid-19 will be moved to nearby medical facilities. “I am very grateful to President Kaplan and UNH for their partnership at this time,” Mayor Elicker said in a public press conference over Zoom.
Yale University has also made its rooms available to both healthcare workers and first responders. The university had initially declined Mr. Elicker’s request, stating that the school’s closure during spring break did not allow for students to move out their belongings. But, on March 28, after receiving backlash from the community and the Mayor, the institution turned back on its decision and has since opened up 300 rooms, with more still being prepared.
Following the new announcement, President of Yale University Mr. Peter Salovey said in an official statement, “Now, more than ever, Yale and City Hall need to be on the same page. I know how committed all of us across the city and the university are to implementing an effective response to Covid-19, and I will do all I can to support this shared work.” With the help of volunteers and movers, the school moved students’ belongings out of dorms, opening them up to healthcare workers and first responders.
With the number of Covid-19 cases rising, New Haven is determined
to flatten the curve as quickly as possible with the help of the community. Many other institutions, such as Southern Connecticut State University, Western Connecticut State University, and Hill Regional Career High School have also stepped up to help by housing not only Covid-19 patients but also high-risk citizens such as those with underlying health conditions. “It has been gratifying to see that virtually every college and university in the area has stepped up in meaningful ways to assist,” said Mr. Whiting.
