A few days ago I read an appeal for apartments to be used my doctors or nurses working at risk of being infected with Covid-19 and who, rightfully so, do not wish to go home to their families for fear of putting them at risk too.
As it happens, the tenants in my Msida apartment moved out and I have been cleaning it and preparing it for new tenants. It is located quite close to hospital and I thought “Why not? A couple of months without rent is no big deal. These people are risking their lives for us. They need help to see them through this rough time not only because of the long, intense hours they are working but also because they are being deprived of their families.”
My daughter-in-law works in health administration so I asked her if this appeal was genuine and informed her of my proposal. She said she would check and let me know. When we eventually spoke, she asked if her sister, who is a doctor and who had been shifted to the virus team, could move into the flat as the parents are well into their seventies. I had no problem with that because it didn’t matter to me who the doctor was. I requested no rent, just the payment of water and electricity.
That evening I held my breath for a moment when I realised that the tenants in my other apartment worked for the tourist industry which would surely be hit by the crisis. I expected a call from them requesting a reduction in rent. I thought that from receiving an income from two apartments, I was probably going to end up with half a rent from only one. Furthermore, I was not expecting to be working beyond March.
But I wasn’t about to back-track from my decision. I had to do my bit which meant not only just staying at home. Sure, my income was going to be drastically reduced but I had to think of others too. Jesus will provide!
J. E. (Malta)
Well done!!!
What wonderful experiences. Thanks.