ECHO’s goal is to help reintegrate our homeless into the community. Individuals may stay up to 90 days at the shelter. Residents are required to actively pursue housing and employment goals, as well as education, job training and drug and alcohol treatment as needed. The shelter manager assesses their needs and coordinates with county agencies to provide support. Residents are not charged a fee for their time at the shelter. Instead, they are required to open a savings account and contribute to it during their stay. These savings provide them with a security deposit and first month’s rent for their own residence when they leave the shelter.

Volunteers play a major role in the success and operation of the shelter. They make up the board of directors, help staff the shelter, and provide all the meals for the residents every day of the year.

ECHO expanded its mission to include two transitional houses in 2001. These units are located behind the shelter and may be used for either single family or group homes. They are available to selected residents on a cost-sharing basis for up to two years. ECHO employs a program manager to provide ongoing case-management support for the residents. The program manager helps residents develop life skills such as goal setting, budgeting, bill paying, and general home management and maintenance. The Transitional Housing Program offers families additional time, skills and resources needed to survive in the commercial housing market.

Donations from the United Way, local churches, civic organizations, the Calvert County Commissioners, public and private grants, and YOU make it possible for Project ECHO to shelter the homeless and feed the hungry in our community.

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