SALT LAKE CITY — Utahns are joining a movement that is sweeping across the nation.
A Facebook group called “RVs 4 MDs” is connecting those on the front lines of the coronavirus fight to people willing to loan their recreational vehicles. The idea is to give medical professionals a place to live separated from family members so their loved ones don’t catch the virus.
“My house was the most dangerous place to be,” said Emily Phillips from her home near Dallas, Tex.
Emily’s husband is a doctor. She worried he could bring the virus home to their three children.
She made a request on social media, asking if anyone could lend their RV. That’s when she met Holly Haggard.
“I didn’t think about it. It was a request to help somebody. I just thought absolutely. Why not,” Holly said.
The pair quickly realized they could help so many others.
“We have created a global movement,” Emily said. “This is going to be a thing. We are going to make something of this.”
That’s when they started the Facebook group. In less than two weeks, it attracted more than 20,000 members, including many from Utah.
“Everyone has to think, what is their unique super-power that they can add, they can help,” said Peter Brownstein.
Peter is a Salt Lake City based volunteer helping match RV’s to those in Utah who have a need.
“Utah has always been a community that always wants to help,” Peter said. “We are doing what little we can to let them go to work without having to worry.”
Utah County resident Richie Wyler purchased a new RV in February. He has only taken it out once, but is allowing a nurse and law enforcement officer in Davis County to use it while they both work to keep the community safe.
“I want to lend it out because we need to help everyone,” Wyler said from his home in Lehi. “They are out there protecting us, so we really need to protect them.”
So far, about 25 Utahns have offered their RV’s. The group is also hearing from others who want to help in any way possible.
“They are showing exactly what America should be about, and that’s love,” Holly said.
“I know everything is going to be ok,” Emily added. “This is just a difficult blip in history. I believe it’s going to unify America.”
More information about RVs for MDs can be found at this link.