From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear that the staff members of the Adams County Housing Authority needed to change the way they worked. A WellSpan Inspire Grant helped expand remote work capabilities so that staff could continue to support the health and wellness of the agency’s staff and clients.
“WellSpan’s generosity and belief in community investment allowed the housing authority to purchase business laptops and protective cases, covered IT vendor set-up, and allowed the agency to make a much needed upgrade to a desktop computer in the department,” said Michele Gladfelter, family self-sufficiency coordinator for Adams County Housing Authority.
The Adams County Housing Authority helps to provide stable, quality affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families throughout the Adams County community. The authority, which works in conjunction with the other local agencies, serves nearly 600 low-income families and individuals in Adams County.
As a result of these work changes, the housing authority has been able to recognize additional benefits. The flexibility of remote capabilities has allowed staff to accommodate individuals with disabilities, who have limited transportation options, as well as other challenges that make traveling to the office difficult.
“The ability to work off site, and meet the clients where they are, can prevent these obstacles from being the one impediment that prevents them from receiving a vital service,” Gladfelter said.
This also includes helping individuals at their own homes if they need an accommodation for a disability and assistance to complete their applications or contracts for housing assistance.
Addressing housing insecurity
Helping people find affordable housing remains a priority for organizations like WellSpan and the Adams County Housing Authority as the number of those experiencing hardships are increasing.
“Only 52% of those who qualify and receive government-funded housing vouchers were able to find a place to rent in the county last year,” said Kathy Gaskin, executive director, Healthy Adams County Coalition. “Rentals in Adams County are in low supply which often forces people to look outside of the county to find a place to live.”
Through partnerships with agencies like the Adams County Housing Authority, WellSpan can expand its mission to help address this housing uncertainty, one of the many ways it helps promote lifelong health and wellness for all.
In the fiscal year 2022, WellSpan provided nearly $313 million in overall community benefit. Read more about how WellSpan has helped our friends and neighbors in the Community Benefit Report here.
