Adams County Organizations Work Together To Combat Coronavirus

A community conference call on Tuesday brought a dozen Adams County for-profit and non-profit organizations together to share their activities during the coronavirus era.

032620 1400 AdamsCounty1

032620 1400 AdamsCounty1

The call was representative of many ways the county is serving the community.

The call was initiated by Ralph M. Serpe, representing the Adams County Community Foundation.

“We are grateful to our board members and are committed to maintaining our grant schedule. We are still planning to hold the annual Giving Spree (on November 5th) but are assessing the possibilities for online activities as well,” said Serpe.

“We are encouraging donors to release their generosity. We cannot survive without your help,” said Serpe. Serpe asked residents to increase their giving to organizations providing direct support, such as housing and food, during this critical time.

Robin Fitzpatrick, from the Adams Economic Alliance, said her organization was working to land grant money for local businesses. Fitzpatrick said the commonwealth of Pennsylvania had created a fund though which local economic agencies can quickly get money to their local vulnerable businesses.

“The application is first come first serve. It’s a zero percent interest loan for operating capital for three years,” said Fitzpatrick. “We’re having conference calls every day to figure out what we have to do.”

Fitzpatrick said federal loans were also available.

Carrie Stuart, representing the Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce, said her organization was staying abreast of information about potential grant funding.

We’re staying close with the state chamber as we get a better idea of what’s available,” said Stuart. “We’re holding webinars to help employers handle things on the employee side.”

“We’re trying to be sure we know who’s open and what they’re offering,” said Stuart.

Adams County councilman Marty Qually said the county was currently focusing on four main areas

  1. Keeping the county emergency management services functioning.
  2. Keeping the county staff safe.
  3. Providing updates from state and federal agencies to residents.
  4. Providing information about food, shelter, and housing supplies.

“With few exceptions, residents are following CDC guidelines on social distancing,” said Qually. “I’m very proud of our residents. The number one priority is for everyone to stay safe.”

Qually called on residents to donate to local social service agencies and to check on neighbors and family to see who is in need.

Destination Gettysburg was represented by Kristi Cramer who said her organization was working with agencies to find resources for their partners.

Cramer said the organization had launched a new community campaign called Adams Together. “We’re stronger together,” said Cramer.

Cramer said that a source of information about activities in the county was at https://destinationgettysburg.com/coronavirus/

Jamie Yates, from Gettysburg College, said all college employees, with the exception of essential staff, were now working from home.

Yates said only about fifty students, as a result of extreme circumstances, were left on campus. “Most of these are international students who could not return home,” said Yates.

Alex Hayes from the Gettysburg Times said although the paper was now publishing only three days a week the staff was “working around the clock” sharing vital information and stories. Hayes said many of the paper’s staff were working remotely.

“We are 110 percent online. We’ve opened up our e-edition to the public,” said Hayes. “300 people have signed up for the online edition in the past days.”

Hayes said the Saturday Reporters Notebook section, normally reserved for Times reporters, had been opened to the entire community for comments.

Megan Shreve from the South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP), said most of her programs were open. “We’re working diligently to flatten the curve. We’re trying to keep it very safe,” said Shreve.

Shreve said the shelters and the food pantry were open. “We’re not currently overwhelmed,” said Shreve.

“There will be an opportunity for volunteers,” said Shreve.

Stephanie McIlwee from PA Interfaith Community Programs, Inc. (PICPI), Adams County Housing Authority (ACHA), and Turning Point Interfaith Mission (TPIM), said her organizations were operating during the crisis.

‘We continue the housing process by sending mail, email and making phone interviews,” said McIlwee.

McIlwee said the housing office lobby is open for mail pickup and delivery, that they were still processing applications for Project New Start, and that medicine and food emergencies were being dealt with.

McIlwee said there were to be no evictions during the time of the crisis.

United Way of Adams County representative Vicky Corbett said residents could use the PA2-1-1 hotline for helpful information.

Corbett said the United Way was creating a volunteer skills bank where people can sign up to help. “We have a lot of calls for people wanting to help,” said Corbett.

Corbett said the United Way was offering income tax help to get tax refunds back as quickly as possible.

“The best thing to do right now is check on your neighbors, especially the elderly. If they need something you have, share or check other neighbors to see if they can help. If you visit, remember social distancing and sanitizing. A friendly call will help alleviate the isolation and anxiety,” said Corbett.

Dr. Wesley Doll from the Upper Adams School District, said the district was helping families in need of food. “We’re serving about 200 meals,” said Doll.

Jane Hyde from Wellspan Gettysburg Hospital said the hospital has been “planning for this potential for weeks. We have centralized planning.”

Hyde said currently only two entrances to the hospital are open and that all volunteer activities have been suspended.

“Many procedures, including elective surgeries will be cancelled. Other services may be performed virtually,” said Hyde.

Hyde asked people to stay away from the hospital. “Please don’t drop donations off,” said Hyde. “Please try to pay your bills on the website.”

Hyde reminded people they must have orders from a doctor to come to the screening tent at the hospital.

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Charles (Chuck) Stangor is Gettysburg Connection's Owner, Publisher, and Editor in Chief. I would like to hear from you. Please contact me at cstangor@gettysburgconnection.org.