#NeighborhoodHeroes RV owners lending their RVs to healthcare workers to self-isolate after their shifts
Facebook group "RVs for MDs to Fight the Coronavirus Pandemic" started on March 24th, 2020. It is a group of people across the country that are either RV owners or healthcare workers. RV owners are lending their RVs to healthcare workers on the front lines so they are able to self-isolate.
Dan Bartlett is one of the volunteers donating his RVs for medical workers. He said, “They’re spending long hours at the hospitals and they need someplace to go.”
The process is all done through the Facebook group. If you have an RV/Camper to lend, join the Facebook page and post a picture, include your city, state, and make sure to read the pinned group disclaimer. If you are a healthcare provider in need of an RV/Camper for temporary living during the COVID-19 pandemic post a comment requesting an RV with some details on why and the city and state you’re in. In addition to adding your information into the Facebook page, all RV Owners and Healthcare Workers in need should submit THIS form and the group will get to work on matching you. Bartlett said it is a very simple and quick process! He said, “We have one match in Palm Springs that we are working on and we are hoping for some more.”
Bartlett has four RVs and normally he rents them out through Moho Joe's RV Rentals in the Coachella Valley. Bartlett said by this time, his RVs are typically rented out. "Coachella and the stagecoach and everything. These are usually rented for that time. And people go to Joshua Tree and explore the desert. And we love doing that for the people. But now, they’re just sitting here, so what else can we do? It’s a wonderful thing we can donate these at this time.”
He is offering to take care of the set-up and the clean up of the RVs. Bartlett said, “We would like to set these up for them at their house, in the front yard or something or on the street. At least they can isolate when they come home and at least they’re home during the evenings or during the day and they can isolate from the families but at least be within touch.” Bartlett added, “We are definitely blessed to be able to donate these RVs and help out. And that’s what it’s about. At this time with this going on we need to be volunteers and help our communities.”
News Channel 3's Taban Sharifi will talk with one of the RV owners in the Coachella Valley who is lending his RV to a healthcare worker. Tune in tonight for more.
Check out our coronavirus section for local coverage
Celebrating #NeighborhoodHeroes
While the coronavirus crisis is keeping us apart, we know the Coachella Valley community is still coming together to help each other. We are looking for those who are lending a hand during this uncertain time. Do you know of any everyday people who are going out of their way to help others? Have you seen someone find creative solutions to the new challenges we all face?
News Channel 3 wants to celebrate these neighborhood heroes. Tell us about them here. Enter HERE or email SHARE@kesq.com. If you see good happening on social media, share it with us, and tag it #neighborhoodheroes for us to see.
We are all in this together. Help us showcase the good that's happening right here in the Coachella Valley.
Kaiser recommends that those in the Coachella Valley who are elderly and have underlying health conditions, including individuals who are HIV positive, limit non-essential travel and avoid large public gatherings.
Health officials said anyone who thinks they might be experiencing symptoms of the virus and want to be seen at Eisenhower Health should call the hospital hotline first at 760-837-8988. Avoid the spread of this illness.
Residents with further questions can call 2-1-1 and 800–CDC –INFO (800 – 232 – 4636) with any questions.
Public health recommendations for all Riverside County residents during community spread:
Practice social distancing, which is remaining out of places where people meet or gather and avoid using public transportation, if possible.
Do not attend work, school or events when sick. Stay home.
Cough into your elbow or tissue.
Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer often.
Stay away from anyone who is sick.
