Board honors ECHO on 25th anniversary, highlights shelter expansion and volunteer network

The Board of Supervisors recognized El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) for 25 years of services on July 28 and heard details about expansion of family housing and the organization's volunteer operations.

Wendy Lewis, speaking for ECHO, said the nonprofit has distributed millions of meals over 25 years and that their 90‑day program produces housing outcomes the organization described as "a 60 percent chance of being housed" for participants who complete the program, with a high rate of remaining housed thereafter. "As of this morning, we've helped 199 individuals or children into permanent housing so far this year," Lewis said.

Supervisors thanked ECHO for its partnership with the county and volunteers; members of the board noted the organization's role in family shelter capacity and local meal programs and encouraged public volunteerism and support for ECHO events and fundraisers.