ECHO selected for $65,000 grant
(Blackhawk Region) – United Way Blackhawk Region (UWBR) approved a grant as result of its requests for proposals from local nonprofit organizations to implement a Housing and Resource Navigator position.
A Housing and Resource Navigator helps clients to develop an action plan in order to secure safe, affordable and sustainable housing based on their unique needs.
United Way’s volunteer Community Impact Council reviewed applications as part of its competitive process and selected ECHO as the grant recipient, awarding $65,000. This investment, from United Way’s reserve funds, is over and above its current 2021-2023 Community Grants investment (more than $3.1 million dollars) to further address the critical needs of the Blackhawk Region.
“ECHO is a trusted community partner and has a proven track record of providing effective Housing and Resource Navigator services for the past two years,” said United Way Blackhawk Region President and CEO Mary Fanning-Penny. “United Way donors expect results and our volunteers were impressed by ECHO’s approach to the challenges of limited housing for income constrained families and homeless individuals.”
Housing and Resource Navigators play a key role connecting individuals and families with a safe place to call home. They build relationships with landlords and property managers, assist program participants with housing searches, connect clients to available resources, lend assistance and advocacy to help people overcome barriers to achieve their housing goals.
“We are currently accepting applications for the Navigator position,” said ECHO Executive Director Jessica Locher. “ECHO is grateful to United Way for this grant funding, as we now manage two Housing and Resource Navigator positions in the Blackhawk Region.”
United Way understands the criticality of this issue and serving our most vulnerable neighbors. As always, United Way’s ability to fulfill and grow our commitment to the community is contingent upon the generous financial support of individual donors, corporate partners, and successful workplace campaigns. To learn more about United Way’s community impact and its funded partners, visit LiveUnitedBR.org.
About ECHO Inc.’s Housing and Resource Navigators
Ideal candidates will have excellent communication and multitasking skills, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic. Full job description can be found at echojanesville.org/careers/.
