On March 24, April 7, April 28, and May 26, the Community Foundation hosted Community Call-ins on COVID-19 and Adams County. 

Leaders of key Adams County community institutions gave brief updates on what their organizations are doing to address this public health and economic crisis.

• Our next Community Call-in on COVID-19 and Adams County will be Tuesday, June 30 at 2:15pm
• Call 605-313-4162 code: 269058# to join the call on June 30

Here’s a summary of what was shared on our April 7 Call-in:

Adams County Community Foundation (Ralph Serpe)

The Community Foundation is encouraging donors to continue their local giving, even if the organization is currently closed due to COVID-19. Consider giving more to organizations that provide direct support (housing, food). Renew your memberships in organizations that bring resources to the county (Adams Economic Alliance, Destination Gettysburg, Main Street Gettysburg, The Chamber.)   Adams County’s Day of Giving, “The Giving Spree” scheduled for November 5, includes an improved online giving platform in the event it needs to be virtual. The Hoffman Trust is offering grants of up to $10,000 to nonprofits helping Adams County residents meet their basic needs. Application information is available here.

Adams Economic Alliance (Robin Fitzpatrick)

The Commonwealth of PA created a COVID-19 working capital access program for businesses. Adams Economic Alliance advised Adams County businesses. 18 applications were filed. The state is reviewing applications.    Robin wants feedback from those who made loan applications to the Small Business Administration. 

The Chamber, Gettysburg & Adams County (Carrie Stuart)

Resources for employers and employees are on their website. “Like” the Facebook page designed for Adams County business resources (in collaboration with Destination Gettysburg and New Oxford Chamber) for up-to-date information on business hours, etc. 

Community Media of South Central PA  (Mark Wherley)

Nonprofits and municipalities can get information to the public on TV and via Community Media’s Facebook. Contact them info@communitymedia.net.    Municipalities are enlisting Community Media to stream public meetings. 

Destination Gettysburg (Norris Flowers)

A PR/Marketing campaign to get tourists back will be implemented. Tourism rebounds faster than other sectors of the economy. Meanwhile people are laid off, businesses are closed and there is reduction in parking, pillow tax and other revenue.    #AdamsCountyTogether.

County of Adams (Commissioner Marty Qually)

All offices are open with staff working remotely. Computer terminals are in the courthouse lobby for legal and property transactions. Call ahead for details. County property tax deadlines are to be postponed for 60 days. The discount period is extended to June 30. The penalty period begins November 1. Work is temporarily halted on the Mercy House Recovery Center.

Gettysburg Area School District (Dr. Jason Perrin)

School districts are providing meals to hundreds of households.  All school districts have two issues hindering online instruction: student access to devices, and connectivity. Devices formerly used in the classrooms are loaned out. The high nationwide demand for hot spots is causing delays in providing connectivity to households without it. Paper resources will be supplied to those without access to technology. Staff are providing technology support.    (Serpe added: Upper Adams School District is seeking $48,000 to provide internet access to  student households without access.)   

Gettysburg College (Jamie Yates)

Classes continue with teachers working remotely. 48 international students who could not return home remain on campus. College employees unable to work from home are receiving full pay and benefits through April. Discussing adaptations if students are not able to return to residential housing and classrooms in the fall.

Gettysburg Ministerium (Pastor Fred Young)

Pastors hold weekly meetings to identify needs and coordinate resources. Each church has vouchers to help residents with shelter, food, gas and medicine.

Gettysburg Times (Alex Hayes)

Continuing three days a week printing through April 18 but it’s also free online six days a week. If you have difficulty viewing the paper online, email amichael@gettysburgtimes.com or ahayes@gettysburgtimes.com. A crew of part time staff continues to cover Zoom school board meetings and other news. Compiling a free directory for restaurants to advertise their hours and offerings. The best way to support the paper is to subscribe. 

Main Street Gettysburg (Deb Adamik)

MSG is gathering information and sharing it with businesses, and working with the borough on the Gettysburg COVID-19 Task Force to provide community information and resources in preparation in case things get worse. E.g. seeking partnerships that can get masks out to most vulnerable community members.  MSG is also reaching out to the businesses both locally and throughout the state/nationally and identifying opportunities to help businesses sustain and recover as quickly as possible.

Pennsylvania Interfaith Community Programs, Inc.  (Stephanie McIlwee)

Office is open to collect rents and adjust rent amounts based on changes in tenant income. The lobbies are monitored for social distancing by staff and cameras. Funds are still available to assist individuals with rent, utilities, and car repairs. Applications are in the lobby and on website. Maintenance staff doing emergency property repairs. Landlords being kept informed. Supportive services staff is doing wellness checks by phone. Using Act 137 funds for the seven Gettysburg CARES shelter residents who had not secured permanent housing when the shelter had to close earlier than planned.

South Central Community Action Programs (Megan Shreve)

Early learning resource center, subsidized childcare, Work Ready, Gleaning Project, Support Circles and @Home in Adams County are all adapting services. The shelter is full. Food pantries are open and waiving income guidelines to serve those impacted by COVID-19. Increased demand and decreased resources. SCCAP is working with local stores and asking the community for support. The Weatherization program is not currently functioning.

United Way of Adams County (Vickie Corbett)

Use 211 for information and referral. All nonprofits should register and keep their information updated. There is an emotional listening support line.   UWAC has a volunteer skills bank with people ready to be deployed.  Volunteers are still engaged in tax preparation assistance remotely. School supplies and personal hygiene items are available. UWAC cannot run workforce giving campaigns on location, but employers can reach out to them. 

Wellspan Health (Will Lavery)

For Mental Health and Behavioral Health resources call 1-800-932-0359.   Grants are available to community partners for their efforts to slow the spread of coronavirus.   Using technology to increase alternative care options: online urgent care, video visits, phone visits.   If experiencing symptoms call your doctor for advice or schedule Wellspan online urgent care. Use COVID-19 coupon code for a free visit. If you don’t have a primary care doctor call 855-851-3641. Non-emergency care COVID-19 clinic sites are in Gettysburg and New Oxford. Wellspan.org provides up-to-date info. 

YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County (Dotty Dalphon)

YWCA is the largest childcare provider in the county with 292 children at 3 sites, that closed March 16. The YWCA received state approval and will consider providing childcare for the children of essential workers pending availability of staff, and obtaining the special equipment needed to serve high risk families. Others within a 20 mile radius of Gettysburg have a waiver to offer childcare for essential workers. 

Adams County Complete Count Committee  (Leon Reed)

Help make sure everyone gets counted in this Census! An undercount decreases Adams County’s eligibility for government services and resources for the next ten years. Community Media will air PSAs in Spanish and English and using Facebook.