MAKE AN IMPACT
ECHOS started in 2016 to address homelessness in Elizabethtown and has grown into a nonprofit serving over 400 households annually across Northwest Lancaster County. Through housing programs, eviction prevention, and emergency shelter, we empower families facing housing instability.
Volunteers are essential to our mission. Whether helping in shelters, supporting programs, or assisting at events, your time makes a real difference.
Join us in building a stronger community.
Volunteer Today
ECHOS utilizes GalaxyDigital to manage volunteer opportunities, we ask volunteers to create an account. You will have the opportunity to customize your volunteer experience, get notified of preferred volunteer roles and much more.
New Volunteers
Please create an account with GalaxyDigital, our volunteer platform, to begin your volunteer journey with ECHOS.
Returning Volunteers
Please login to GalaxyDigital to access your volunteer account.
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Morning Shelter Support Volunteers play a vital role in creating a positive start to the day for our shelter guests. Volunteers assist staff in the kitchen and dining area, help with morning routines, and support the process of transitioning guests out of the shelter for the day.
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Evening Safety Volunteers play a key role in creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for shelter guests. They assist with the evening check-in process to ensure all guests are accounted for and that shelter safety policies are followed.
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Sharing a meal is about more than food, it’s about care, dignity, and community. As a member of the Meal Service Crew, you will help nourish our shelter guests by serving evening meals in a welcoming and respectful way. Your presence helps create a warm environment where everyone feels valued.
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Guest Support Volunteers help new shelter guests feel welcomed, comfortable, and supported during their first nights in shelter. This role focuses on assisting individuals who may need extra guidance with the check-in process, accessing basic supplies, and adjusting to the shelter environment.
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Overnight Shelter Volunteers spend the night at the shelter, alternating sleep and monitoring with an ECHOS Staff Member.
Emergency Shelter Opportunities
The ECHOS Emergency Shelter opens on Monday December 8, 2025 and provides support to our neighbors through April 10, 2026. Volunteers are essential to our shelter, extending its capacity by helping with meals, cleaning, intake, and more.
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The Kitchen Coordinator Volunteer supports the ECHOS Staff in ensuring the shelter kitchen and pantry are well-stocked, organized, and operating smoothly to meet the needs of guests and volunteers. This role is key in helping maintain safe food practices and ensuring meals run efficiently.
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The Shelter Cleaning and Organization Volunteers play a vital role in creating a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for shelter guests. By helping maintain cleanliness and order, this volunteer supports the dignity and well-being of individuals and families staying at the shelter.
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Community Meal Partners may prepare meals off-site or use the ECHOS kitchen to cook and serve meals on-site. This role is ideal for individuals, families, community groups, congregations, or businesses who want to make a tangible impact through food and fellowship.
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Volunteers would be in the shelter, allowing clients to utilize our shower facilities. Volunteers would also assist with the cleaning of the bathrooms. Shifts run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
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Volunteers would be a presence in the shelter to allow clients to utilize our shower facilities. Volunteers would also assist in loading washers/dryers with the client’s laundry, organizing supplies and maintaining cleanliness of the bathrooms. Shifts run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
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We are seeking a volunteer to provide lunch to our clients on Fridays here at ECHOS. Lunch can be a simple yet nutritious meal, such as a sandwich, chips, fruit, veggies, and a dessert.
You can drop the meal off the day you sign up at 9:00 am. You do not need to stay to serve unless you sign up as a Hygiene Support Volunteer.
⮕VOLUNTEER NOW
Summer Volunteer Opportunities
After the ECHOS Emergency Shelter closes for the season, we transition to another form of support for our clients. We offer Hygiene Support Days on Monday and Friday to clients to come and get a shower. Additionally, on Fridays we also offer laundry services and a bagged lunch.
Mission Possible
Join the mailing list for our volunteer newsletter today!
Read about the clients you impact, fellow volunteers, and upcoming volunteer opportunities or events.
This newsletter is released monthly from December to April when our Emergency Shelter is open. Additionally, you’ll get updates during the months our Emergency Shelter is closed in July and October.