I would like to share with you a letter from one of our residents. She and her children stayed with us, and I think she says better than I ever could what a blessing Project ECHO can be.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so I figure there is no better time to express how thankful I am to the Project ECHO staff. On August 12th, 2007 my children and I moved into Project ECHO. We had three months that seemed to fly by so quickly.  To be perfectly honest, I was afraid to even go to Project ECHO because of the image that television portrays of homeless shelters. It’s a horrible image and I’m ashamed to admit it, but I believe it to be true. However, my perception has definitely changed.

While at the shelter, I realized that the homeless are “normal” people, who just like me, were down on their luck. I’m glad I had a chance to broaden my way of thinking, however, that’s not the only thing I’m walking away with. Project ECHO did more than just give my children and me a place to sleep and food to eat. It gave me time for self reflection, to set goals and a chance to receive guidance along with priceless advice from the staff.  The counseling I received from the staff alone means so much to me, it helped me through one of the toughest times in my life and I will forever be grateful for that support.

No words could express the debt of gratitude for the Project ECHO staff; because of the staff (and some residents) I was able to pull myself together when all I wanted to do was give up. For that and everything else, I am extremely appreciative.

My children and I have grown to think of all of you as our extended family and will miss you all very much.