Empowering Connections and Housing Outreach Center now open in Olmsted County

People struggling with homelessness and other housing needs now have another option for help in Olmsted County.

On October 1, 2021, the Housing Stability team of Olmsted County opened a satellite office called the Empowering Connections and Housing Outreach (ECHO) Center. The office is located at 206 4th Street SE in Rochester, next to the Rochester Community Warming Center.

“The opening of the ECHO Center will continue the work we have done to help those with the least in our community get a step ahead,” said Olmsted County Housing Director David Dunn. “By providing a location for people who are struggling with housing and connecting them with helpful resources, we will be providing a missing piece for many as they strive to find a place to call home.” 

The ECHO Center is staffed with members of the Housing Stability team and open during Olmsted County government office hours – Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Staff will have resources available on a wide variety of housing-related topics. Families and individuals are encouraged to utilize the ECHO Center throughout the process of securing safe and affordable living spaces.

“The ECHO center provides another asset to a growing homeless response system in our community. Its proximity to the Rochester Community Warming Center allows us to connect with folks staying in the shelter on a regular basis and better understand their needs and how we can be of help,” said Olmsted County Senior Social Worker Jacob Radtke. 
 
The ECHO Center will be helpful to: 

• A person or family concerned about eviction.
• A person or family in an unsafe or abusive living situation.
• A person or family experiencing homelessness.
• A person or family looking for financial assistance resources.

For more information, please email housingstability@co.olmsted.mn.us or call 507-328-7175.