EChO's Response to the COVID-19 Situation

Dear Supporters, Partners, and Community Members,

As the COVID-19 situation continues to grow and many of us are faced with the uncertainty of how this will impact our lives, we want you to know that EChO will remain open to provide services to anyone in our community who may need assistance.

We will be operating with limited and restricted access to our building for the protection of staff, volunteers and clients. Increased precautions and enhanced cleaning and safety protocols based on recommended guidelines from the CDC have been implemented at EChO for our building as well as for all individuals.

The service provided by the food bank is a top priority and we will work to ensure everyone has access to food and basic necessities. Grocery orders will be taken, either on site or online, and volunteers will gather and package the requested items and pick up will be available at our main office. Individuals who are ill or self-quarantining may request to have their order delivered.

EChO Client Advocates will be available by appointment to discuss other concerns and issues as we work through these trying times. We hope to be able to continue to supply limited emergency financial assistance for utilities, medical supplies, rent, etc. as needed. We will work to identify and seek resources needed for our community members.

During the upcoming days and weeks, we anticipate that the demand for assistance will increase. More and more families and individuals will struggle to meet basic needs as businesses temporarily close and paychecks are reduced.

We live in a very generous and caring community. Many of you have asked how you can help. A financial contribution of any amount would be greatly appreciated. The increased demand for food, as well as emergency financial assistance will have a tremendous monetary impact on our organization. To make a donation, please visit our website at www.evergreenchristianoutreach.org . Checks can be mailed to PO Box 1515, Evergreen, CO 80437. Our food bank is also currently accepting donations of nonperishable food items, cleaning supplies, toilet paper and personal care items. Items may be dropped off at the EChO Food Bank, located on the grounds of the Church of the Transfiguration at 27640 Hwy 74 in Evergreen. EChO purchases items such as dairy, meat, fresh produce and eggs from our providers.

We are all struggling with how to respond to this current crisis. But, with your help and support, we feel confident that we can and will be able to meet the needs of our mountain community.

Thank you for all you do for EChO.
Sharon Smith, Executive Director
Ray Dowdle, EChO Board President

Food Bank

When we first heard of the coronavirus we knew more families were going to need our assistance. With lay-offs, reduction in work hours, and shelter in place directives, we began to see an increase in requests for assistance. In this past week alone, the number of families we assisted with food increased 30%. And, as more and more families start to feel the impact of this virus, we anticipate our numbers will continue to grow.

For health and safety concerns, we have temporarily changed how we operate the food bank. We now offer "parking lot pick up", and this week we kicked off our delivery program in earnest thanks to the wonderful support of community volunteers. During this first week, 65 boxes of food were delivered to people at their homes.

EChO is ready to welcome anyone needing assistance.
Donate Now Through ColoradoGives.org
With your help and continued support we will be able to respond to this fast growing need in our community.

Job Center

With access to our Job Center and Food Bank restricted, people may be wondering how to get all the up to date information usually found in the Mountain Area Jobs binder. No worries! The Job Center is working remotely and now communicating with over 160 residents on a weekly basis. If you need to know who's hiring, how to prepare a resume, or if you have questions about filing for unemployment, call 303-670-7123 or contact Brenda. Last week, Brenda heard from over 10% of the people on her list that their hours had been reduced or they had been laid off. Let us help you. This is a free service offered by EChO to all members our mountain communities.