Ken Gibeon, who has been homeless in Tallahassee for "a couple of years" drinks his coffee at his camp in Tallahassee, Florida November 15, 2010. Financially strapped and many times homeless Tallahassee residents and families seek assistance at ECHO for their most basic needs of food, clothing and shelter.
Slideshow Photos: © Mark Wallheiser

16 month-old Liam Hamilton and his mother Kelly Hamilton wait in the lobby of ECHO to be helped with some of their family's most basic needs as financially strapped and many times homeless Tallahassee residents and families try to get by in today's economy October 27, 2010.
Slideshow Photos: © Mark Wallheiser

Turkey week at ECHO where the Emergency Care Help Organization gives away approx 250 turkeys along with the cranberry, stuffing and other supplies for a good Thanksgiving meal. The under funded and homeless depend on ECHO for their most basic needs of food, clothing and shelter.
Slideshow Photos: © Mark Wallheiser

Homeless ECHO client Bill Oliver enjoys a Thanksgiving meal at the Big Bend Homeless Coalition on Pensacola Street in Tallahassee, Florida November 25, 2010. Oliver lives in the woods in the Apalachicola National Forest.
Slideshow Photos: © Mark Wallheiser

Ken Gibeon,, who has been homeless in Tallahassee for "a couple of years" outside the ECHO office after picking up a lunch pack and blanket October 18, 2010. Financially strapped and many times homeless Tallahassee residents and families seek assistance at ECHO for their most basic needs of food, clothing and shelter.
Slideshow Photos: © Mark Wallheiser

Christine Barns (L) talks with one of the emergency resource counselors at ECHO as her son, twelve year-old Revis Dixon Jr. sits next to her while she seeks assistance for seven people in her household October 27, 2010. Financially strapped and many times homeless Tallahassee residents and families seek the most basic needs of food, clothing and shelter at the ECHO office October 27, 2010.Slideshow Photos: © Mark Wallheiser

20 month-old Christopher Johnson plays with a chair while his mother seeksg assistance for some her families most basic needs at ECHO October 27, 2010. Financially strapped and many times homeless Tallahassee residents and families increasingly seek assistance with their most basic needs of food, clothing and shelter at ECHO in Tallahassee, Florida.
Slideshow Photos: © Mark Wallheiser

Homeless ECHO client 6 year-old Trinity Jordon enjoys a Thanksgiving meal with her mother and sister at the Big Bend Homeless Coalition on Pensacola Street in Tallahassee, Florida November 25, 2010.
Slideshow Photos: © Mark Wallheiser

ECHO Supporters Help a Disabled American Vet Move from Homeless to Hopeful

1323781800-homeless-veteran-sign1Edward P. came to us in early November.  It was starting to get cold outside and he needed a blanket to keep warm at night as he was sleeping in his car.  Edward is a Disabled American Veteran – and he was homeless due to divorce.  He had been given custody of his 14 year old son, but insisted his son stay with relatives while he slept in his car until he could find them both housing.

A few weeks later, he came in with great news – the representatives at the Veteran’s Administration, had located housing for him and his son.  But the apartment came unfurnished – no furniture, no household items – nothing but a roof and 4 walls.

Again Edward came to ECHO seeking assistance – this time Edward received 2 beds, a sofa, a dining room table and chairs, and a dresser provided by generous donors to our furniture program and a variety of household goods to help he and his son have a new beginning.  As an added bonus, Edward was also placed on the Thanksgiving Dinner recipient list – so with his new pots, pans and dishes– Edward and Nicholas celebrated their first Thanksgiving in the new home as a family. Whether it was a turkey, a lamp, dishes, or a check…THANK YOU to all of  our supporters who made this and many other stories like it possible.

 

HOW CAN YOU HELP RIGHT NOW?… “ADOPT” A CHILD IN NEED OF BACK-TO-SCHOOL CLOTHES

Even though this school year has not quite ended, ECHO’s Emergency Resources Program is seeking “Adopters” to provide clothes for 150 local children next school year.   ECHO partners with Leon County Schools’ Social Workers, Children’s Medical Services, and Florida Therapy program to identify children in Leon County who are most in need. Adopters are given the child’s age, gender, grade level, sizes, and preferences and then asked to purchase 2 new outfits per child. Adopters then deliver the clothing to ECHO (702 West Madison Street) and we will give it to the identified children so they can start the new school year off right!  Call Kim Ladner at the number below to see how you, your church, business, or organization can get involved in this great outreach to kids in our community.


To adopt a child, please call 224-3246 x206 or email assistance@echotally.org

SAVE THE DATE! ECHO Golf Tournament scheduled for September 23rd!

What do you and THE WORLD’S GREATEST MOTOCROSS CHAMPION have in common?  You both care about those in need in your community!  So mark your calendars now for Monday, September 23th for the 4th annual RICKY CARMICHAEL GOLF TOURNAMENT benefitting ECHO.  We are grateful for Ricky’s continued support and this fun event will once again be held [...]

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A NEW VAN FOR ECHO!

A big THANK YOU to FAITH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH for their very generous gift of a brand new van to ECHO!  It is a vital addition to our ministry and allows us to pick up your furniture donations.    Maybe you will be moving or getting some new furniture soon.  If so, please remember ECHO if [...]

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