Hotels across the USA have taken the initiative to offer lodging to first responders and health care workers during the coronavirus outbreak. The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) launched a new program called ‘Hotels for Hope’ as the COVID-19 crisis worsens. 

6,500 properties close to healthcare facilities have been identified and will offer temporary housing to the health community and first responders. These properties will work with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and local emergency management and public health agencies.

‘Hotels For Hope’ database to be created 

AHLA will also create a national ‘Hotels for Hope’ database to help match the properties with federal, state, and local governments. Accordingly, local,  state and federal government officials will be able to search willing properties based on geographic location.

AHLA President and CEO Chip Rogers said: “As an industry of people taking care of people, the hotel industry is uniquely positioned to support and help strengthen our communities and first responders who are on the frontlines of dealing with this ongoing public health crisis. Hotels have always been an active member of our local communities, and this time is no different.”

 Many hotels in Chicago and California have partnered with local and state officials and more efforts are expected in the coming weeks. Chicago has reached agreements with local hotel operators to provide more than 1,000 hotel rooms for those exposed to or mildly ill with COVID-19 to safely quarantine.