The mission of EChO is to assist people in our community with their most basic and urgent needs and to help them realize their full potential on a path to self-sufficiency.
EChO fulfills its mission by providing immediate financial assistance, healthy food, shelter, and other items to meet the most urgent needs of those it serves (hereinafter referred to as "Clients"). At the discretion of the Executive Director, funds may be made available to provide limited financial assistance with rent/shelter, auto expenses, utilities, childcare subsidy, medical prescriptions, or other temporary needs. Counseling, referrals, and job training are offered to get our clients on their way to becoming self-sufficient. Encouragement, hope, and support are available to all seeking services.
In 1985 Father Bob Bryan, Rector of the Church of the Transfiguration in Evergreen Colorado suggested that parishioners start and outreach program to help local people who were in need of basic food, clothing, shelter and fuel. In 1986, two members of Evergreen Fellowship joined efforts with the Church of the Transfiguration. The Church of the Transfiguration offered a building in which to house the program. After several months the program had grown to the point where a full-time position was created to direct the efforts of the numerous volunteers and the local churches. Today, most of the churches and many local businesses support this ongoing ministry. Over the past 30 years Evergreen Christian Outreach has grown and continues to meet the needs of mountain area including Evergreen, Kittredge, Indian Hills, Idledale and Conifer.
Chris had a client come in asking for a gas card. The client informed Chris that she had a veteran living in her car with her. She said he would not come into the food bank because he had just fallen off the wagon and is now shaking really bad from trying to detox. Chris went out to the car and talked to him about his condition and what we could do to help him. He told her, his son is a combat marine and was just deployed to the Middle East. He has not heard from him and was worried that he might be dead. He wanted very badly to sober up and he really needed a place to live. After making several phone calls, they were able to schedule an appointment with HUD-VASH. Within 2 days the veteran was placed in inpatient treatment for 90 days. Once he has completed his treatment he will be housed! While in treatment he called Chris to let her know his son is still alive. The veteran treatment program is helping him cope with his son's deployment and he is feeling much better.
"As a long time Evergreen teacher. I have seen many changes over the last decades. One troubling change is the number of students in need of adequate food, clothing and shelter."
- Marshdale Teacher
