Rachelle Adams was sent home on her first day of work.

It was March 16, 2020, and our new Director of Human Resources got her laptop and, like many of us, was promptly ushered into the world of telework in the face of a global pandemic.

 A few months later, she had a chance to be back in the clinic in an unexpected role: a trained COVID-19 screener.

“I was a little nervous, but I didn’t hesitate to sign up when medical staff requested support from administrators to screen clients at the front door,” Rachelle says. “The pandemic was seeming overwhelming, and this was an opportunity to help.”

Being on the frontline—asking anyone who comes in about potential symptoms—has helped Rachelle see first-hand the wide range of urgent needs that come with not having a stable place to stay:

• “I’m here to get my mail.”
• “Someone at the shelter tested positive and I need a test.”
• “Just picking up my new prescription.”   
• “I’m here to sign my lease!”
• “My stomach hurts. Can I see a doctor?”
• “I don’t have anywhere to stay tonight.”

Each short encounter reinforces why in-person care is still critical for the people we serve. And Rachelle sees that in the relationships she’s building during her shifts, too.

“It brings a smile to my face when people come back and recognize me,” she says. “One client keeps me updated on all his care. ‘Remember when I told you I was worried I had cancer?’ he asked me once. ‘I’m going to be ok.’ I could tell it meant a lot to him to have someone to talk to about his progress.”

The last three months have been tough. The number of people screening positive and needing testing has jumped as COVID spikes across the country. But Rachelle and the rest of our screeners are out there every day, creating a safe place for people to get care.

Want to join the team that makes sure our neighbors get the care they need?
Apply for an open position