About ECHO

ECHO
The Erie County Housing Organization (ECHO) was established to adopt and drive major housing improvement initiatives in Erie County. Various organizations and agencies with a vested interest in Erie County housing chose to collaborate and concentrate resources in an efficient and effective manner to address housing-related issues.
As a result ECHO has:
1. Revised the Erie County Housing Plan
2. Developed a Mission statement that serves to define ECHO's purpose.
Mission: ECHO is a diverse group of organizations with
focused resources collaborating to address the present
and future housing-related issues of Erie County.
3. Adopted the recommendations of the Erie County Housing Plan as six major initiatives to implement.
Maintenance & Rehabilitation
Promote sound maintenance and rehabilitation of existing housing
New Housing Development
Promote a diversity of housing options that meet a wide range of needs and income levels for county residents. Encourage environmentally friendly, "sustainable" development.
Affordable Housing
Support affordable housing activities within Erie County, including construction of affordable housing units, rehabilitation of existing homes, homeownership programs and training, and renter education programs.
Planning for Residents with Special Needs (Including Homeless)
Support housing assistance and a full range of housing choices for seniors.
Planning for the Elderly
Provide assistance and support for residents with special needs, including the homeless. Communication & Coordination
Improve communication, coordination and/or contact between governmental agencies and practitioners in the housing field.
4. Aligned volunteer participating organizations with specific initiatives to best capitalize on their individual strengths and purpose.
5. Created action plans for each initiative to positively impact and ultimately achieve the major initiatives. Respective teams meet regularly to move initiative forward.
6. Adopted a lead team to provide direction. Meet with entire participant group regularly to share progress and keep all participants informed.
Participating Organizations: (Open to other organizations & agencies interested in joining)
BA Builder's Association of Northwest PA
COE City of Erie
CSS Community Shelter Services
ECDHS Erie County Department of Human Services
ECHA Erie County Housing Authority
ECHRC Erie County Human Relations Commission
ECP Erie County Planning
ECRDA Erie County Redevelopment Authority
ED Erie Dawn
ERDA Erie Redevelopment Authority
GEBOR Greater Erie Board of Realtors
HANDS Housing And Neighborhood Development Service
HFH Habitat for Humanity
SMC St. Martin Center
VFI Voices for Independence

Test Blog

This is a test of ECHO's blog.