In January 2022, Union Community Care (Lancaster, PA) received 16,200 COVID-19 at-home self-tests through the HRSA COVID-19 Testing Supply Program. They have shared these tests with community partners, including Water Street Mission, which reaches thousands of residents in Lancaster County and provides shelter to those experiencing homelessness.
“We’re using the test kits to test residents and staff when we learn about a potential exposure,” said Water Street Mission President Jack Crowley. “The tests have been helpful to keep our community safe. If we learn that someone tests positive, we are able to isolate them and hopefully stop the spread of the virus.”
Union Community Care also provided 2,700 COVID-19 at-home self-tests to the Lancaster City Housing Authority (LCHA), which plans to share the tests with the 1,200 residents they serve, including seniors and people with disabilities.
Vasthi Dominguez, LCHA resident service coordinator, said residents have been asking every day for at-home COVID-19 rapid tests. “Right now, there is such a limited supply in pharmacies. This is so helpful! Our residents can be confident in their health, and they don’t have to worry about contaminating someone without knowing if they’re sick.”