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ECHO (Emergency Care Help Organization) has been serving Leon County, Florida since April 1981. ECHO is the largest faith based human services agency directly assisting more than 20,690 people each year. ECHO puts faith into action by serving people in crisis and poverty. ECHO provides a full range of services that restore individual and family self-sufficiency and feelings of self-worth. ECHO offers Leon County residents and the homeless professional services through programs providing emergency relief, job skill development, and family sustainability. Our clients are served in one of three areas: Emergency Resources, Employment Assistance, and Family Services. With a small staff, and a large volunteer base, our programs are designed to assist people in their efforts to become independent, productive, and stable. We believe that encouragement, planning, and hope will be the impetus for lasting change. With opportunities and incentives, those who live under the burden of poverty will pull themselves from its grip and lead fuller and more productive lives.

Emergency Resources Program: Our Emergency Resource Program will counsel more than 3,500 individuals annually, and directly impact as many as 7,600 dependents. We help people in need identify and overcome extremely difficult life circumstances, a multitude of 'system' obstacles as well assisting in resolving temporary crises. The Emergency Resource Program staff works diligently with each individual to build a solid case plan. In every situation our goal is to promote stability and financial self-sufficiency. Our direct services include food, clothing, household items, furniture, job referrals, and budget counseling.

Employment Assistance Program: Our Employment Assistance Program is a free employment resource center offering, interview preparation, employability skills workshops, coaching and mentoring, placement, and follow-up services. We assist people in putting together professional resumes, faxing applications to potential employers, and job specific clothing. Our Employment Assistance Program can offer assistance with telephone services, mailing addresses and temporary transportation services. Ultimately, ECHO's Employment Assistance Program will help more than 70% of its graduates from weekly classroom workshops, to obtain stable employment.

Family Services Program: Our Family Services Program provides short-term housing and long-term hope for families in a housing crisis. Homeless families with minor children receive services to help them move toward employment, permanent housing and economic self-sufficiency. Case Management support services are mandatory for all our residents, and residents must attend a multitude of educational seminars and classes: money management, budgeting, nutrition, and parenting. After-school programs, tutoring, summer camps, and monthly birthday parties provide special support to the children, so that they feel loved and at home during their four month stay.