Our Story
Elizabethtown Community Housing & Outreach Services, known as ECHOS, was born from a community's urgent response to homelessness. In December 2015, a father and son were found living in a local park, prompting community members, churches, and the school district to unite and establish Elizabethtown’s first shelter. This low-barrier shelter provided a warm, safe haven for thirteen guests that winter. Recognizing the need for more comprehensive support, local leaders secured a grant, leading to the official establishment of ECHOS in July 2016, with Elizabethtown College as the fiscal agent. By July 2018, ECHOS achieved 501c3 status and has since expanded its reach to serve Elizabethtown, Bainbridge, Rheems, Mount Joy, Maytown, and Marietta. Today, a dedicated team of over fifteen staff members assists more than 800 households annually through ten vital programs, including housing stability initiatives, eviction prevention, and emergency shelter services.