A Journey of Faith and Hope
Elizabethtown is located in the western fringes of rural Lancaster County, and until 2016 our community was devoid of centralized social services. This need became apparent in December 2015, and the faith community responded by opening an emergency winter shelter at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Just two months after opening its doors, a team of five submitted a grant to start a local social services agency that birthed Elizabethtown Community Housing & Outreach Services (ECHOS) in July 2016. Our growing organization owes our thanks to Elizabethtown College, who served as the fiscal agent of ECHOS until the agency was awarded a 501(c)3 status.
Since July 2016, ECHOS has become a strong social services center serving the northwest region of Lancaster County. Currently there are fourteen (14) programs and interventions with sixteen (16) staff focusing on client-centered, trauma-informed practices to assist individuals and families in need of stability. We believe that a community is stronger when all members are stronger and provided the supports needed to be successful.
2042
people served since ECHOS began
2245
hours of case advocacy
in current fiscal year
1572
volunteer shifts to run the winter shelter
117
in-kind gifts
Our Mission
Mobilize communities to provide services that prevent and alleviate poverty and empower stability in our neighbors.
Our Vision
Create a stable, thriving community.
What We Do
Our Programs and Services
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05 June 2020Brubaker Bros Turns Grant Into Donation to ECHOS
In 2017, a partnership was formed between Elizabethtown College and Elizabethtown Area Chamber of Commerce, called “Destination Etown.” Elizabe
27 April 2020Stronger Because of You
Through these difficult and uncertain times, our community is reminded that we are not less through this pandemic; together, we are more! This is esp
06 April 2020Winter Shelter Remains Open
Dear Friends, As we begin the first full week in April, our plans to close the Emergency Winter Shelter have been altered due to the COVID-19 outbrea
30 March 2020Thank You, ECHOS!
Our Winter Shelter clients have said ‘thank you’ to us, and now we want to thank our donors in return! These notes include: Thank you for