Since its incorporation on May 2, 1969, ECHO's members have been religious congregations in the Burke and Springfield areas of Fairfax County. Currently, 26 congregations appoint members to ECHO's board and support its work with donations and the service of nearly 400 volunteers
There are no paid staff so all monies raised can go to meet the needs of the community. Management and general costs ar
e just over 1% of total revenue and include costs for office supplies, IT, publicity and printing, the annual audit, and a portion of expense for postage, copier maintenance, depreciation and occupancy. As an all-volunteer organization, the focus stays on the community's needs rather than fundraising to pay for salaries. Day-to-day operations are handled by a support team of volunteers who serve in various capacities such as counselors, administrative assistants, facility managers, clothing chairpersons, community relations, food co-chairpersons and housewares chairpersons. ECHO participates in both the United Way and CFC programs. It is the policy of ECHO to provide temporary or emergency assistance to persons and families who have encountered a difficult situation and who require a measure of assistance beyond that provided by federal, state and local governments. ECHO strives to provide enough assistance to solve, or help to solve, the immediate problem and to encourage the client to take steps to overcome their difficulties without making the client dependent on continuing assistance. We also recognize, however, that there are unfortunate persons and families who, despite their best efforts, will need continuing assistance from ECHO. ECHO policy prohibits discrimination as it relates to service delivery on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental health, sexual orientation or any characteristic protected by law. We have barrier-free access to our entrance, an accessible restroom, and accessible routes inside and outside the building. For hearing-impaired persons, we use the Virginia relay number
