ECHOS: Walking With Our Neighbors Toward Stability
At ECHOS, our mission is simple yet profound: 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.
Our History
ECHOS was founded to address the critical issue of homelessness in Elizabethtown after a father and son were discovered living in a local park. Mobilized by the compassion and determination of community members, churches, and the school district, Elizabethtown’s first shelter opened in December 2015 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Initially serving thirteen guests, it quickly became evident that broader support was needed.
A successful grant application led to the establishment of ECHOS in July 2016, with Elizabethtown College serving as the fiscal agent. By July 2018, ECHOS received its 501(c)(3) status.
Today, ECHOS serves Elizabethtown, Bainbridge, Rheems, Mount Joy, Maytown, and Marietta, assisting over 700 individuals each year through comprehensive programs that address both immediate crises and long-term stability.
Our Programs & Services
ECHOS offers a continuum of care designed to meet urgent needs while building lasting change. Our core programs include:
Emergency Shelter – A safe place for individuals and families during the coldest months of the year, providing meals, overnight shelter, and supportive case management.
Homelessness Prevention & Diversion – Financial assistance, mediation, and case management to keep households from entering homelessness.
Rapid Re-Housing & Housing Stability – Support for families transitioning from homelessness into safe, stable housing with ongoing case management.
Enrichment Center – A hub where neighbors can access showers, laundry, case management, and community partner resources under one roof.
Community Partnerships – Collaboration with local agencies, schools, and faith-based organizations to strengthen the safety net for our neighbors.
The Heart of Our Work: Volunteers & Interns
While our staff provides professional guidance and case management, volunteers and interns are the hands and hearts that make ECHOS’ mission operational every day.
Volunteers prepare and serve meals in the shelter, greet neighbors at our Enrichment Center, distribute donated items, and lend listening ears.
Interns from area colleges bring new energy and ideas, supporting case management, program evaluation, and community outreach while gaining valuable real-world experience.
Community groups and faith-based partners amplify our reach, ensuring we can meet needs that extend far beyond what staff alone could provide.
In the last year, volunteers and interns gave thousands of hours of service, making it possible for ECHOS to remain responsive, welcoming, and effective in addressing the growing needs of our community.
Looking Ahead
Our vision is a community where every neighbor has a place to call home, and no one has to face hardship alone. With the continued support of volunteers, interns, and community partners, ECHOS will keep building bridges to stability and hope.