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

About

Helping Others Help Themselves with over 30 years of service

ECHO Outreach Ministries puts faith into action by serving people in crisis and poverty and has been serving Leon County since April 1981.  Realizing the need for a central location to help individuals and families in crisis,  ECHO was founded by five downtown Tallahassee churches and is still blessed today by the support, contributions, and prayers of many generous congregations in our area. We have grown into the largest faith-based human services agency directly assisting more than 20,000 people each year.  We offer professional services through programs providing emergency relief and family sustainability to Leon County residents and the homeless .  ECHO’s clients are served in two areas:  Emergency Resources Program and Family Services Program.  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 and those who live under the burden of poverty can rise above it and lead fuller and more productive lives.

Emergency Resources Program: Our Emergency Resource Program counsels more than 5,000 individuals annually, and directly impacts as many as 6,500 dependents. We help people in need identify and overcome difficult life circumstances, a multitude of ‘system’ obstacles, as well assist 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.

Weekend Meals Program:  Our Weekend Meals Program provides hot noon-day meals to any homeless or hungry person.  With the cooperation and commitment of many dedicated volunteers, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church oversees the preparation and serving on Saturdays while First Presbyterian coordinates the Sunday meals.  Whoever comes to our table is fed.  In a typical year 10,000 meals are served.

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.


“Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it to Me” ~Matthew 25:40