By Laural Samson [2]
BELLEVILLE – A Belleville couple are doing what they can to fight COVID-19 by offering their Airbnb rental home to frontline workers for free.
Tim and Judy McKinney own ‘the Loft’ on St. Paul St. just outside of downtown Belleville, which is a converted church that comes equipped with a piano, a hot tub, and a massive projector screen.
These days this luxury space is specially reserved for front line workers, such as doctors and nurses, who are unable to go home.
“I had a nurse call me on Saturday and then she moved in on Sunday. She spent the night Sunday and Monday. She needed to isolate from her kids because she’s on the COVID ward of the hospital.”
Having to isolate from her family at The Loft, one nurse was extremely happy with her stay.
McKinney said that they first had the idea to rent the place out for free to frontline workers when the government announced in March that Airbnb rentals were no longer allowed. So instead of just letting the rental sit there, McKinney said that they decided to open it up to those that needed it most.
“It’s just for any frontline workers- where they couldn’t go home.”
The McKinney’s began offering the spot free-of-charge when the pandemic first began, with nurses staying as they battled the first wave of COVID-19.
And now with the recent lockdown and stay-at-home order, McKinney says he has once again began offering the accommodation for anyone in need.
Before COVID shutdowns hit, the loft was being rented out for $499 a night.
One occupant, who is unable to go home to his COVID positive family, has been staying at the Loft while he continues to work at Belleville General Hospital.
McKinney said that it was a good experience for the man, who was able to unwind and catch the first hockey game of the season on the massive projector screen.
“He had the big screen going, watching the Leafs. So he was pretty thrilled.”
Overall, McKinney says that he has received a lot of positive responses and community support. He also said that everyone who has stayed there has been extremely happy with their free accommodation.
“They are thrillled.”
The rental is available to any frontline workers that are in need of a safe space to stay.
If interested, please email tim@timmckinney.com or call 613-921-2667.