Our Shelter
Who We Are & What We Do
Project ECHO, Inc. is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide hope for the homeless. We have emergency shelter and supportive housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Calvert County, Maryland.
Our shelter, ECHO House, has 38 beds divided among family suites and dorm-style bedrooms. Every resident receives personalized case management throughout their stay. Clients are assisted with referrals to employment and education programs as well as to health and wellness professionals. Through community support, Project ECHO is able to provide food, clothing, and toiletries for every resident and in many cases, for our former residents as well.
If You Are Homeless
If you are homeless and seeking emergency shelter and/or permanent housing your first stop needs to be the Department of Social Services. They will provide you with a shelter referral which is necessary for intake to Project ECHO. DSS is located in the courthouse at 200 Duke Street, Prince Frederick, and is only a 5 minute walk from the shelter.
How to Apply
Call or come to ECHO House with your shelter referral from DSS and a photo id. It’s always a good idea to try calling before you come – 410-535-0044. Keep in mind you’ll have the best chance of reaching the right people during regular office hours which are Monday – Friday, 10 am – 6 pm. The staff and volunteers on duty during nights and weekends are not always able to answer questions or accept people into the shelter.
When Not to Apply
Individuals with open warrants will not be allowed to stay. Individuals under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be asked to come back when they’re sober. Registered sex offenders will not be accepted. These guidelines are for the safety and security of our residents, staff, and volunteers. We thank you for understanding.
Length of Stay
Residents are granted free shelter for 45 days from the day they enter. An additional 45 days may be applied for but is typically only granted to residents who consistently work toward personal goals and have not received negative incident reports during their stay. Residents who violate house rules may receive a suspension for up to five days or even be removed from the program entirely.
Please Note
Our space is limited and a shelter referral does not guarantee a bed, especially if we have none available.
If you need specific information please call before you come to be sure that your questions can be answered at that time. Project ECHO’s office hours are 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday – Friday. Our phone number is 410-535-0044 and we are located at 484 Main Street, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.
Additional Resources
If Project ECHO isn’t right for you, or if there are no beds available, you may have additional options.
Safe Nights operates from late November to late March. It’s not a walk-in program so you must call to set up an intake: 443-486-8670. Like Project ECHO, they are limited in space and it’s a first-come, first-served basis.
Calvert County has a freezing weather plan in effect. In extreme, freezing weather, persons seeking warm shelter are welcome in the lobby of the MSP Barrack U, Prince Frederick, and the Calvert County Detention Center, Barstow.
The Calvert County Homeless Services Board updates and prints Community Resource Guides annually. These guides can be picked up in any location that serves the homeless such as: Project ECHO, DSS, Calvert Health Department, Calvert Behavioral Health, and Calvert Library.