I would like to let all of our supporters know we at ECHO are diligently working to do our part in reducing the spread of the COVID 19 virus. Currently, there are no cases at the ECHO shelter, however, we have implemented a series of steps to prevent the transmission of the virus and protect the health of staff, volunteers and residents.

Additional cleaning, disinfecting and hand washing procedures have been implemented at our facility following specific guidelines for homeless organizations release by the State of California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency and the CDC. Furthermore, our administration has implemented the following plans:

• Updating the ECHO emergency operations plan, which includes key contacts, a list of healthcare facilities, and contingency plans for dealing with increased social distancing.
• Addressing key prevention strategies, such as best practices for preventing the transmission and spread of COVID-19.
• Providing prevention supplies, such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers, tissues, trash baskets, disposable facemasks (to be used only by sick individuals in our organization), and mobile hand washing stations.
• Implementing procedures for reporting suspected COVID-19 cases to local health officials.  
• Identifying spaces that can be used to accommodate unsheltered people with mild respiratory symptoms and those at significantly elevated risk of infection who have no option to self-quarantine outdoors.
• Those who become sick will be immediately isolated from those who are not sick and given a clean disposable facemask to wear while staying at the shelter.
• Identify clients who could be at high risk for complications.
• If a sick individual is experiencing shortness of breath or other complications notify the healthcare facility and transport personnel in advance.

We’re taking sensible steps to help protect our staff, volunteers and residents. This means fewer meetings, limiting contact to six feet, and making it easier for our people to take the time they need to care for themselves or their families in the event they are directly affected by COVID-19.

For their safety, the decision has been made that anyone 65 years or older should only volunteer in the role of dropping off food or supplies to the shelter.

The CDC has recommended the cancellation of events of 50 people or more for the next eight weeks. To do our part, we are postponing our fundraising event, Empty Bowls, to a later date. We will make an announcement as to a new date as the situation unfolds across the nation. We appreciate the support from all those that participate in this event and we hope to bring you a safe and enjoyable event later this year.

ECHO is committed to the care and well-being of staff, volunteers, residents and guests and will continue to monitor the situation and adopt best practices accordingly.

Stay safe and take care of yourselves and each other.

All my best,

Wendy Lewis, President/CEO, ECHO

Critical Shelter Needs

ECHO is in need of the following volunteer positions and items listed below.

Should you wish to donate you can drop these items off at the shelter or make a monetary donation online at echoshelter.org/donate. If you wish to volunteer, and are under 65, please use our sign up form online at echoshelter.org/volunteer.

1. Overnight chaperone volunteers
2. Greeter volunteers
3. Meal servers
4. Toiletries
5. Gently used towels
6. Monetary donations to enable us to order masks, gloves, etc.