History

Echo House was founded in 1964 by Howard Offit. Mr. Offit owned R &S Construction Company and many rental properties in Baltimore City. Many of his tenants in West Baltimore were low income families.

Seeking a way to improve the social and economic conditions of these families, Mr. Offit sought the help of several prominent individuals: Veri Lewis, former Dean of the University of Maryland School of Social Work; Stanley Mazer, former Assistant for Urban Renewal; and, Daniel Thruz, Associate Director of VISTA. Together they developed a plan to organize the families in the Franklin Square neighborhood and recruit volunteers to work to improve the quality of life and sense of community by:

• Soliciting families who were resistive and distrustful of avenues of relief.

• Providing education on home maintenance, and purchasing habits
• Counseling families on health, nutrition, child rearing, employment, and, when appropriate, making referrals to public and private agencies.

• Offering supportive services during periods of crisis in a family.

In 1966, Echo House became a 501 (c) 3 tax exempt corporation. A few notable individuals who were members of the first Board of Directors included: the late Caswell Caplan, owner of the Time Realty; the late Stuart Rome, attorney; former Governor William Donald Schaefer; Charles Tildon, Consultant; and Robert Embrey, President of the Able Foundation.

In the late 1960’s, increasing racial tensions created distrust between the community and many philanthropic funding sources. Walter Carter, a community activist, convinced the Community Chest of the merit, of funding grass roots organizations with African American constituents. The Community Chest, with Echo House as a member agency, later became the United Way of Central Maryland.

The funding relationship with the United Way of Central Maryland has remained. New partners include the following: The City of Baltimore, Baltimore Substance Abuse Systems Inc., The Baltimore City Public School System, The Baltimore City Health Department, The Baltimore Jewish Council, The Department of Homeless Services, and other private agencies.