Twin Cities Habitat Donates 8,000 Respirator Masks in Wake of Coronavirus Pandemic

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity has donated 8,000 respirator masks to Hennepin Healthcare and M Health Fairview as medical personnel battle the Coronavirus in Minnesota and around the country.

Habitat normally uses the masks on construction sites to protect volunteers and staff against tiny wood dust particles that are generated from wood frame construction.

Currently, these types of masks are highly sought after by hospitals and clinics because they protect against airborne particles like viruses and bacteria.

Pete Kennelly, Habitat’s warehouse manager, learned of the desperate need for the masks by local medical personnel.

Realizing Habitat had a significant stock of masks, Kennelly brought the information to Habitat’s management team who chose to donate the masks.

Masks have already been delivered to Hennepin Healthcare and the remainder will go to M Health Fairview. Hennepin Healthcare is distributing them to their facilities most in need, while M Health Fairview will use the masks to help stock Bethesda Hospital, designated a specialty care facility for COVID-19 patients.

“When I learned of the need for the masks by doctors, nurses and other health care professionals, I remembered our supply and I thought it would be a way for Habitat to help out as the community fights the virus,” Kennelly said.

“Twin Cities Habitat has been lucky to be a part of a generous community and we want to pay it forward. This donation is a small part of that,” said Chris Coleman, President and CEO of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and former St. Paul Mayor. “When Pete brought to our attention that we had the respirator masks, we knew what we needed to do. We hope the masks will help our courageous medical personnel as they fight the Coronavirus pandemic.”