McKean County has released a web mapping application, “web app,” to provide area residents with contact information regarding local resources for those experiencing food insecurity or needing vital resources during the COVID-19 crisis.
The McKean County Commissioners, in collaboration with McKean County Human Services Administrator, Dan Wertz, initiated a project with the Planning Commission through the GIS Coordinator to create an online directory for vital resources.
“As we have emerging needs and the technology to allow information to be available countywide, I was pleased to be able to do my part to get this app up and running,” said Sean McLaughlin, GIS coordinator. “On behalf of the efforts of the commissioners to meet the immediate need for resources, we were able to utilize GIS technology to pinpoint the location of each food pantry, participating school and others who are providing free meals during this crisis.”
McLaughlin has configured an app that identifies available resources for those in need of meals, food and child care services. School districts, food pantries, volunteer organizations, and services for seniors are identified on a map showing the location of services.
Users may find addresses, eligibility, hours of operation, and contact information for each location by clicking on the pushpin at each location. This is a live and automatically updating application. As more information becomes available it will be incorporated into the web app.
The direct link for the web app is:
https://mckeancounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/View/index.html?appid=220c5d8825164179a3619c8231f25bf1
The link will also be available on the McKean County website under the COVID-19 tab.
Eligibility at state sponsored food pantries has been changed to include those who are enduring hardship due to lost wages or hardship from the current crisis. Signatures have been waived to reduce transmission. Many volunteer-run food programs are providing food pick up or grab and go meals to anyone who is experiencing food insecurity. Volunteers who are healthy are asked to take precautions to continue to safely operate programs.
