Signs of Home: GW Provides Emergency Housing for Health Care Staff

George Washington University (GW) officials recently announced that the school will be providing temporary housing for medical professionals working on the frontlines of the pandemic at GW Hospital. Starting April 13, health care providers who are unable to go home to be with their families due to infection risks were offered rooms in Munson Hall, one of GW’s apartment-style residence halls.

“Preserving the health and well-being of our health care workforce is a top priority for GW,” Barbara L. Bass, MD, vice president for health affairs, dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and CEO of The GW Medical Faculty Associates, said in an announcement of the decision. “To alleviate any added stress from finding alternative housing during this time, we are providing on-campus housing options for our health care workers. As we navigate the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is one way that GW can show its support for the hard working and dedicated frontline health care teams.”

When they arrived in their temporary home, health care providers received a warm welcome. Staff from Campaign GW — a subdivision of Facilities, Planning, Construction, and Management — and the Office of Sustainability decorated the residence hall with inspirational posters and bulletin boards to greet the weary clinicians.

“I am glad that they are well received. Natalie Wright, who is one of my student staff members, and Abbie, from the Office of Sustainability, made the signs at the request of my team,” said Samantha McGovern, communications project facilitator, in GW’s Office of Facilities Planning, Construction, and Management. “We just wanted to help bring a moment of cheer or reflection for all the medical staff that will be in and out of that building. We hoped it might bring a little bit of comfort.”