Evento

Homeless, Not Hopeless -- Charlotte Byrne & Mike Byrne

The El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) began in Atascadero 14 years ago after a homeless man, released from the hospital, died under a bridge. Spurred into action by his unfortunate fate, a handful of residents began the long process of creating a shelter. Now two-thousand members strong, ECHO provides food, showers, meals and case management services for the community's regrettably large homeless population.

Learn how a compassionate group of volunteers fashioned a shared humanitarian concern, and a determination that homeless need not be hopeless, into a practical, functioning social institution. Join the presenters, both founding members of ECHO, for an off-hours tour of the empty shelter. Visualize life there from first night entry to last night celebration as they leave ECHO to begin new lives in shelters ( homes) of their own.

The presenters have dedicated the last 15 years to seeing the shelter through to the successful operation that it is today. During the presentation, you will learn of others who have become enthusiastic supporters of the program, and what you might do to help. You will leave the course with the knowledge that a homeless shelter is not the hopeless and scary situation you thought when you entered.

Your Instructors:

Charlotte Byrne retired educator, founder of parent education in SLO County, founder of Friends of the Library in Atascadero and co-founder of El Camino Homeless Organization.

Mike Byrne retired educator, past president of teachers' organizations and co-founder of El Camino Homeless Organization.

If you would like to have the password for the member price for this course, go to www.lifelearnerscc.org for information on how you can become a member.