Echo

As the COVID pandemic transformed into a more permanent part of the public health environment, ECHO changed the requirement for masks and vaccinations to recommendations for volunteers and clients to follow CDC guidance. ECHO was able to assist 1,345 unduplicated households 5,159 individuals in FY 2023. During the year 479 households received assistance to pay bills for housing, utilities, prescriptions, and other essential needs. Clients received 237,916 pounds of food plus $51,100 in coupons for fresh produce, meat and milk; 3,957 clothing bags; and household items valued at $130,808. 1,213 children received backpacks filled with school supplies. Included in the household items were 15 refurbished computers and 1,688 enrichment bags containing books and toys for children of client families. 474 families received holiday food, and 591 children from 243 families received holiday gifts. Moving into FY2023, donations for clothing and housewares kept pace with need. In-kind food donations started to decline, but ECHO adapted to make up for the difference by purchasing food from a range of local vendors. This adaptation of the ECHO all-volunteer organization to continue to help neighbors in need is just one example of the maturity of its processes, and the selfless service of those who implement those processes.