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.