Meeting a Need

ECHOS began as a direct result of efforts to address homelessness in Elizabethtown when a father and son were discovered living in the local community park. Community members, churches, and the school district mobilized to open Elizabethtown’s first shelter in December 2015, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. That season, thirteen guests were served through a low-barrier shelter created to serve as a warm, dry, and safe place to spend the night.

 

Within the first month of operating the shelter, it became clear that there was so much more support to be offered. In response, local leaders submitted a grant application in the hopes of addressing community members’ needs. Ultimately, the grant was awarded and established ECHOS in July 2016, with Elizabethtown College as the fiscal agent. ECHOS was awarded its 501c3 status in July 2018.

 

Today, ECHOS has expanded to serve Elizabethtown, Bainbridge, Rheems, Mount Joy, Maytown, and Marietta. The agency has a team of over fifteen staff who assist more than 800 households annually through ten programs, including housing stability programs, eviction prevention, emergency shelter, and information and resources.

 

Our purpose is to empower families and­­­ individuals experiencing housing instability and insufficient income in the Northwest Region of Lancaster County.

2659

people served since ECHOS began

2311

hours of case advocacy

fiscal year 2020-2021

1278

volunteer shifts to run the winter shelter

for 2020-2021 shelter season

154

in-kind gifts

fiscal year 2020-2021

Image from iOS (5)

Our Mission

To address the holistic needs of our neighbors experiencing housing insecurity and insufficient income by mobilizing the community, connecting resources, and providing support to promote stability.

Shelter move - Rotary Team

Our Vision

Create a stable, thriving community.

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