New family resource center breaks ground in Atascadero
Two-story center will add 30 beds for families in need
– El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) held a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 6 for the new Balay Ko Family Resource Center. More than 150 community members attended the event, which took place next to ECHO’s existing shelter in Atascadero.
The two-story, 7,200-square-foot modular building is expected to be completed by October 2026. When finished, the facility will add 30 shelter beds for families with children experiencing homelessness. It will include private rooms, shared living areas, a workforce development classroom, a children’s learning and activity room, and private counseling offices.
Featured speakers at the ceremony included representatives from The Balay Ko Foundation, Senator John Laird, Assemblymember Dawn Addis, County Supervisor Heather Moreno, community leaders Michael and Lori Bickel and Mike Zappas, and former ECHO 90-Day Program graduate Kelly Hadley.
“As a long-time public school teacher I’ve served many students over the years who were unhoused. The toll it takes on learning is immense. The Balay Ko project will literally be life changing for children and families who need stability and safety as they find permanent housing,” said Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro).
The expansion is expected to provide relief for more than 300 individuals and families currently on the waitlist. In addition to housing, families will have access to case management, job training and children’s programs.
“The need for family-focused shelter options is more urgent than ever. We are beyond grateful to the Balay Ko Foundation for their generous support and to all our donors who have joined us so far to make this dream a reality,” said Wendy Lewis, ECHO CEO.
The Balay Ko Foundation has been a long-time supporter of homeless services across California. Its prior investments include funding a 30-unit facility in Grover Beach for 5Cities Homeless Coalition, supporting the 76-unit Motel 6 North Homekey project, and assisting with the 55-unit affordable housing project on Monterey Street in San Luis Obispo.
Seeking to expand family services in North County, the Foundation partnered with ECHO after visiting its Atascadero site and committing to fund the new building.
During the ceremony, ECHO announced the Building Hope & Home Capital Campaign, a three-year, $6 million fundraising initiative to complete and operate the Family Resource Center. More than half of the goal has already been raised.
ECHO, founded in 2001, operates shelters in Atascadero and Paso Robles with a combined capacity of 130 beds. The organization also provides a community dinner program and shower services for individuals and families throughout San Luis Obispo County.
For more information or to donate, visit www.echoshelter.org.
