ECHO breaks ground on Balay Ko Family Resource Center

By Camille DeVaul · Mon Oct 20 2025

New 30-bed facility will provide private family housing, workforce training, and support services in North County

ATASCADERO — A new chapter began for El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) on Monday, Oct. 6, as shovels hit the dirt for the groundbreaking of the Balay Ko Family Resource Center. The event, attended by more than 150 community members, marked not only the start of construction but the start of renewed hope for families in North County seeking stability and a safe place to call home.

“The groundbreaking marks the beginning of a powerful new chapter for ECHO — one built on hope, home, and community,” said ECHO Development Manager Stephanie Potter. “We’re laying the foundation for a future where families on our waitlist will have a safe place to call their own.”

The two-story, 7,200-square-foot facility will sit adjacent to ECHO’s existing Atascadero shelter and add 30 new beds in private rooms designed specifically for families. Construction of the modular building is expected to be completed by October 2026. The new space will also include a workforce training classroom, a children’s activity room, counseling offices, and shared living areas, with each element designed to support both stability and dignity for families rebuilding their lives.

The Balay Ko Family Resource Center is being built in partnership with the Balay Ko Foundation, an organization with a long history of funding housing and support programs for families experiencing homelessness across California.

“The Balay Ko Foundation representatives are deeply passionate about making a lasting difference for families with children,” said Potter. “They have been incredible supporters of ECHO for many years, playing a pivotal role in helping us achieve the record-breaking impact we’re seeing today.”

The Foundation’s past work includes major housing projects such as the 30-unit facility for 5Cities Homeless Coalition in Grover Beach, the 76-unit Motel 6 North Homekey project, and the 55-unit affordable and homeless housing project on Monterey Street in downtown San Luis Obispo. When they sought a North County partner to expand family services, they found a natural fit in ECHO’s approach and community-driven mission.

“During their last visit, they asked us a simple but powerful question: ‘What’s next?’” Potter recalled. “We took them out to the orchard and shared our dream for a dedicated family wing. At that moment, they didn’t just say yes — they invested in the dream, committing to fund the building costs and inspiring our community to rally together, hand in hand, to make it a reality.”

That shared dream came to life at the groundbreaking, where local leaders and community members gathered. Featured speakers included representatives from the Balay Ko Foundation, Senator John Laird, Assemblymember Dawn Addis, County Supervisor Heather Moreno, and community leaders Michael and Lori Bickel and Mike Zappas.

The Balay Ko Family Resource Center will expand ECHO’s shelter capacity by 20%, directly addressing the urgent need for family housing in North County. More than 300 individuals and families are currently on ECHO’s shelter waitlist.

“Across the U.S., 1 in every 30 children will experience homelessness this year,” said Potter. “Here at home, we’re seeing that need rise among families with children. This expansion allows us to meet those growing needs with deeper care, stability, and dignity.”

Assemblymember Addis, who attended the groundbreaking, highlighted the project’s impact on children in particular.

“As a long-time public school teacher, I’ve served many students over the years who were unhoused. The toll it takes on learning is immense,” she said. “The Balay Ko project will literally be life-changing for children and families who need stability and safety as they find permanent housing.”

ECHO’s CEO Wendy Lewis expressed deep gratitude for the Balay Ko Foundation and all who helped bring the project to this point.

“The need for family-focused shelter options is more urgent than ever,” she said. “We are beyond grateful to the Balay Ko Foundation for their generous support and to all our donors who have joined us so far to make this dream a reality.”

The groundbreaking also marked the official launch of ECHO’s Building Hope & Home Capital Campaign, a three-year, $6 million initiative to fund construction and operations for the Family Resource Center. More than half of the campaign goal has already been raised, a testament to the community’s commitment to ending family homelessness.

“Just one year from now, we’ll be welcoming everyone back to celebrate the official ribbon cutting of the Balay Ko Family Resource Center — what an incredible day that will be,” said Potter.

For more information or to donate, visit echoshelter.org

Feature Image: A group of civic leaders, El Camino Homeless Organizaiton (ECHO) staff and board members have shovels at the ready Oct. 6 for the groundbreaking of ECHO’s Balay Ko Family Resource Center. Photo by Rick Evans/ATN