ECHO can help you with food, clothing, housewares, diapers, school supplies, refurbished computers, and limited financial assistance with rent, utilities, and car repairs.

A person seeking assistance should call 703-569-9160 between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm on a weekday (except federal holidays) or between 7:00 and 9:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  A person seeking assistance from ECHO must live in the ECHO zip code areas – 22151, 22152, 22153, 22015, parts of 22150 (West of I-95), and a small part of 22312 (Southwest of Indian Run Stream/Spring Valley Drive).

We are unable to handle walk-ins, mail, fax, or e-mail requests. Hearing impaired should use the Virginia Relay center. Existing clients who need to drop off paperwork can place it in the box outside of door 2 even when ECHO is closed. Due to the high volume of calls received by ECHO, it is sometimes difficult to get through. Please be persistent and follow the tips below.

COVID REQUIREMENTS: ECHO encourages all volunteers and clients to follow CDC guidance for staying up-to-date on COVID vaccines.

Tips for calling ECHO

• Call between the hours of 10:00am and 12:00 noon, Monday-Friday and/or 7:30-8:30 Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Even though our stated hours are longer, we give priority to helping clients who have arrived for scheduled appointments.
• Please try to have an English speaking person call or have them help you. We cannot guarantee a Spanish speaker will be available at all times. This will prevent many phone call attempts to request service. Don’t be afraid to practice English we are here to help.
• ECHO files are filed by the Last name. If you are an existing client, please give us the name you registered under when you call to prevent long waits on hold.
• Do not call on last day your rent is due or the day of service cutoff.  Call at least 7-10 business days before its due but not before 10 days of Due Date.
• Call early for clothing appointments. Morning clothing appointments are rarely available less than 1 – 2 months out and evening appointments 3 months out. Suggestion: Make your next clothing appointment before leaving the current appointment.

What do I need to know before my appointment?

• Only one vaccinated household member can come for the appointment.  You must not bring children to your appointment.
• If you realize you cannot come for you appointment, you must call ECHO to cancel and reschedule prior to the appointment date.  If you call during operating hours you can leave a message if you cannot get through.  If you miss a scheduled appointment and do not call, you will not be eligible for ECHO’s Holiday Programs.
• Every time you come for an appointment, you must bring a photo ID and a Proof of Address that is less than 2 months old.  This can be a driver’s license or photo ID issued in the last 2months or a postmarked envelope or bill with the client’s name and address.
• Arrive at ECHO’s opening time if you have a clothing appointment and 30 minutes later for other appointments.