The event raised over $50,000 for both of the organization’s North County campuses

ATASCADERO — On the morning of Saturday, Sept. 21, over 200 community members showed up to join El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) for their 13th Annual Long Walk Home. The annual walk brings awareness to the local unhoused community and everything ECHO does for them. 

“This was one of the best turnouts for Long Walk Home that we have ever had. We had over 200 community members come and join in on the walk, along with those staying in the shelter in Atascadero,” said ECHO Director of Operations and Development Austin Solheim.

The walk began at 10 a.m. at ECHO’s Atascadero campus before heading to Sunken Gardens and City Hall for a group photo on the steps of the historic building. 

“The best part of the walk this year was that there was just so much happening in downtown Atascadero on the day of the event,” Solheim said. “With construction happening on El Camino [Real] to a cornhole tournament in Sunken Gardens, our awareness march managed to turn quite a few heads this year, with so many people wanting to learn more about ECHO.”

The large group then headed back to ECHO around 11 a.m. for a barbecue and more fun, including music from local musician Lance Robinson, who donated his time and talent to the event. The barbecue was hosted by a group of volunteers from Atascadero Bible Church (ABC).

“Mark Miranda and Reggie Brard help coordinate this amazing meal alongside several volunteers from the church, and we are so grateful for their support,” Solheim added. “Not only do they cook this amazing meal, but the food is also provided by a generous member of their congregation as a way of supporting ECHO and those we are helping on their journey into housing in our community.”

Like last year, the Long Walk Home raised over $50,000. The money will go to support ECHO and everything it does at both the Atascadero and Paso Robles campuses to help the unhoused get their feet back underneath them and get them into housing in a safe environment.

“One of the best parts of this event is the true sense of community that everyone leaves with after the event. It is just incredible to be able to open up our campus and highlight the amazing services that ECHO offers to those experiencing homelessness on the Central Coast,” Solheim stated. “So many people have a perception of what a shelter is, but when you come to ECHO, you are surrounded by family, music, gardens, playgrounds, and so much more. We offered tours to every community member in attendance and it is amazing to see those perceptions of what a shelter can be, and everyone leaving with a sense of hope.” 

So far, in 2024, ECHO has helped a groundbreaking 252 people and families find housing through their programs, including outreach, homeless prevention, shelters, and their supportive services.

To find out more about ECHO and their volunteer opportunities, or to support the organization in other ways, visit its website echoshelter.org.

The 14th Annual Long Walk Home will be back in 2025, though an exact date has not been chosen yet.

Featured Image: Over 200 community members came out to ECHO’s 13th Annual Long Walk Home. Contributed Photo.