Paso Robles approves $111,000 midyear payment to ECHO amid mixed public testimony
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Summary
After receiving El Camino Homeless Organization’s midyear report, the council unanimously authorized a $111,000 scheduled payment. Public comment included both praise for ECHO’s shelter and meal programs and sharp criticism from advocates questioning data and service reach; ECHO and staff responded with program details and oversight mechanisms.
The Paso Robles City Council on Feb. 17 received El Camino Homeless Organization’s (ECHO) fiscal year 2025–26 midyear report and unanimously approved releasing a scheduled midyear payment of $111,000 under a supplemental memorandum of understanding.
Ashley Hernandez, the city’s homeless services manager, said the MOU (most recently amended in August 2025) formalizes the city’s partnership with ECHO to support emergency shelter operations, case management and a coordinated homelessness response. Hernandez said ECHO submitted required midyear reporting and that the organization exceeded required shelter capacity, providing 70 beds under a 90‑day emergency program.
Wendy Lewis, ECHO’s CEO, described services at the Paso Robles campus, noting the city’s funding supports staffing (about 20% of local operating costs) and that ECHO also raises community donations and grant funds. Lewis said ECHO tracks services in HMIS, reported 11,022 shelter stays in the reporting period and noted a substantial number of unduplicated individuals served locally.
Public testimony included many speakers who praised ECHO’s meal programs, outreach and housing exits. Several community members and advocates, including Kimberly Booth and Linda George, pressed council and staff for closer oversight, contending that donated nonperishable food distribution and outcomes in the riverbed did not match the numbers in reporting. County homeless‑services staff responded that county HMIS data shows a 40% decrease in first‑time homelessness countywide in 2025 and a 44% increase in exits to permanent housing, and emphasized data collection and oversight practices.
Wendy Lewis and staff answered questions about scope and operations: ECHO allows service animals (not pets) and uses no‑cook bags and partnerships with the food bank for outreach; ECHO’s reported entry‑to‑housing success rate for the 90‑day program was described as over 60% with roughly 90% remaining housed after one year for those matched to services. Ashley Hernandez and board and audit references were cited to describe oversight.
Pro Tem Gregory moved to receive and file the midyear report and to direct staff to disperse the $111,000 payment; Councilmember Beal seconded. The council voted unanimously in favor.
Council members and public commenters asked staff to continue refining coordination, clarify which city funds support shelter operations versus prevention programs, and pursue accountability measures as part of ongoing oversight.