April 23, 2026 (San Luis Obispo County, CA) — El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) is proud to share the success of its annual Empty Bowls fundraiser, a beloved community tradition that brought together supporters from across San Luis Obispo County to stand alongside their unhoused neighbors. The event raised nearly $100,000 making it one of ECHO’s most successful Empty Bowls to date. Event proceeds directly support ECHO’s 130-bed 90-Day Emergency Shelter Program, outreach efforts, homeless prevention services, and more.
So far in 2026, ECHO has supported more than 100 individuals and families in securing and maintaining stable housing. These successes are often shared through ECHO’s Sunday Success Stories — powerful, real-life journeys of transformation. From mothers with young children finding stability, to elderly individuals securing safe housing, to those overcoming mental health challenges and addiction — each story reflects what’s possible when people are met with consistent support, compassion, and the tools to rebuild. Events like Empty Bowls play a critical role in sustaining and expanding that impact.
Empty Bowls is made possible through the generosity of local restaurants, businesses, sponsors, volunteers and artists who come together to create a meaningful and memorable experience. From handcrafted bowls made by local students and artisans to soups and breads donated by area restaurants, each element of the event reflects the heart of the community. Attendees leave not only nourished, but with a handmade bowl, a lasting reminder of the lives they’ve helped change.
“We could not do the work we do at ECHO without the incredible support of our community,” said Wendy Lewis, CEO of ECHO. “The funds raised are a powerful reflection of our community’s commitment to caring for our unhoused neighbors. Because of their support, individuals and families have a safe place to sleep, the stability to begin again, and a tangible pathway back into housing. Thank you for helping change lives every single day.”
Among the many contributors was Ancient Peaks Winery and Chef Bethany Gonzales, who shared a personal perspective on why she supports ECHO:
“When I was first asked to provide meals for ECHO about five or six years ago, I had only been doing them for a few months. One day, I was sitting in a hair salon with my daughter, chatting about our week. I mentioned how I’d be home a little earlier the next day because I was dropping off lunch at ECHO.
The stylist paused, looked at me, and asked where I worked. When I told her Ancient Peaks Winery, she shared that she and her family were currently staying at ECHO—and that the meals from Ancient Peaks were always a favorite.
It was a powerful moment, especially because my daughter got to witness it firsthand. She saw that this kind, hardworking woman was just like us, a real person going through a difficult time. That realization meant everything.
ECHO serves people all around us—the woman cutting your hair, a family at your child’s school, the person ringing you up at the grocery store. It was an important lesson for my girls: being displaced doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. It can happen to anyone.
I’m incredibly grateful to be part of an outreach program that supports people like her and her family, and proud to continue that support through Ancient Peaks.”
ECHO extends its deepest gratitude to the sponsors, restaurant partners, artists, and volunteers who made this event possible. Their generosity continues to fuel ECHO’s mission of providing food, shelter, and supportive services to individuals and families in need – helping them build lasting pathways back into stable housing.
For more information about ECHO or to get involved, visit www.echoshelter.org.
Community Sponsors:
Gold
- Astound
- CenCal Health
- Howard Products
- Mechanic’s Bank
- Speciality Construction Inc.
- Sky River RV
- The General Store Paso Robles
Silver
- Adventist Health
- Banc of California
- BHE Renewables
- Community West Bank
- Gerber’s Auto Services
- Waste Management
Bronze
- All About Events
- American Riviera Bank
- Amor Designs Co.
- Atascadero 76
- Corvus Wealth Advisors
- Farmer’s Insurance
- Golden 1 Credit Union
- Idler’s Home
- Just Us Events
- Karlandia
- Music by Chuck
- RM Media
- Scout Rental Co.
- Simply Clear Marketing
- Steve Schmidt Soil
- The Andros Family
- The Starnes Family
- Trevor Moriarty, Farmers Insurance
- UMB
- Witmer Foundation
Media
- AGM
- Dimes
- KSBY
- WUNC
Soup Providers
- Allegretto
- Ancient Peaks
- Della’s
- ETTO Pasta Bar
- Finca
- Halfway Station
- La Chata
- McPhee’s Grill
- Niner Wine
- Novo
- Odyssey World Cafe
- Red Scooter Deli
- Street Side Ale House
- Sylvester’s Burgers
- The Hatch
- The Nest
- Wild Fields Brewhouse
Bread
- Bread Bike
- Brian’s Bread
Dessert
- A Town Humble Pies
- Negranti Creamery
Wine, Beer & Mocktails:
- Giornata Wines
- JUSTIN Winery
- Wild Fields Brewhouse
- Yes! Cocktails
About El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO)
ECHO’s mission since 2001 is to empower people in SLO County to make positive change by providing food, shelter, and supportive services. ECHO operates two facilities in Atascadero and Paso Robles with a combined capacity of 130 beds, including a 60-bed shelter in Atascadero and 70-bed shelter in Paso Robles, and a daily community dinner program, and shower program for individuals and families throughout San Luis Obispo County. For more information, please visit our website at www.echoshelter.org.
