Volunteer
As an organization that runs 24/7 with minimal staff, we are incredibly grateful for our teams of dedicated volunteers. ECHO House is a 40-bed residence, so there are always areas where we need help, sometimes desperately. Every year we log tens of thousands of volunteer service hours at the shelter, thrift shop, and fundraising events. Our volunteers range from high school students to retirees and everyone in between. If you have a little time, a big heart, and a desire to serve, we would love to hear from you.
Shelter Monitor/Office Assistant
ECHO relies heavily on volunteers to keep the shelter running smoothly every day (and night) of the year. With only one ECHO staff member regularly on site, volunteers are needed to answer doors and phones, assist residents, and perform daily tasks around the shelter and in the office. The hours you give can be based around your schedule and there's no experience necessary. For more information, email us at admin@projectecho.net.
Project ECHO Thrift & Gift Shop
ECHO’s thrift shop is currently open to the public three days a week, but volunteer opportunities are available everyday. There’s no experience necessary and schedules are flexible. Most volunteers started out as shoppers, so stop by, check us out, and introduce yourself. For more information, come in for a tour during our weekly Volunteer Open House every Thursday at 4pm or email us at shop@projectecho.net.
Meal Providers
Individual community members, families, civic groups, and ministries prepare or purchase meals for our residents nearly every day of the month. It’s a blessing for our homeless to know that they won’t have to go hungry. Our monthly meal provider calendar still has slots that need to be filled and we would love to have a call list for when we're short on meals. For more information, email us at meals@projectecho.net.
Events
Have you heard of our 5K Race Series? It's the only one in Calvert County. Check out the volunteer opportunities for our next run or email us at events@projectecho.net.
Additional Volunteer Opportunities
- Teaching, tutoring, and mentoring
- Adopt a Room—Organizations or families can adopt a room or area of the shelter that needs updating with paint and furnishings
- Gardening and exterior projects at ECHO House or ECHO Shop
- Seasonal cleaning and interior projects at ECHO House or ECHO Shop
- Sorting donated items at ECHO House or ECHO Shop
For more information on how you can get involved, please call 410-535-0044 or email us at volunteer@projectecho.net.