From Atascadero to Paso Robles, community members turned out in force this April to support El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO) through its signature Empty Bowls fundraisers, with events drawing hundreds of attendees and raising critical funds to address homelessness across San Luis Obispo County.
On Wednesday, April 8, the Empty Bowls fundraiser in Atascadero brought together more than 250 attendees in a show of community support for ECHO — the highest record sales seen yet thanks to a growing base of supporters committed to addressing homelessness across San Luis Obispo County.
According to ECHO Development Manager Stephanie Potter, the event exceeded expectations.
“We actually ended up selling more tickets than we did last year … it’s always a good thing to be able to know that you're improving,” Stephanie shared. “I think that word of mouth is great … it becomes little traditions for people to do it every single year and bring more people to it.”
The Atascadero gathering featured 13 soup providers from local restaurants throughout the county, including establishments from San Luis Obispo to Paso Robles. All participating vendors donated their soups, while additional contributions came from local businesses and performers. Bread was provided by Atascadero bakery Brian's Artisan Bread Company, while a musician and even a magician volunteered their time to entertain guests.
Something extra special about Empty Bowls is the handcrafted ceramic bowls given to attendees. Bowls were created and donated by students from high schools and fine arts programs across the county, as well as local artists.
“We get [the bowls] from students throughout SLO County … the students in the ceramic classes actually make them, fire them, glaze them, and then donate them for the event," Stephanie explained. “Everything is donated, making it so that all the proceeds that we get from ticket sales go right back [to our programs].”
Those proceeds help fund ECHO’s two shelters, which together provide 130 beds each night, along with case management and other supportive services. Potter emphasized that sponsorships remain a critical component of the organization’s funding, though final totals from this year’s event are still being calculated.
On April 22, the community gathered again to support ECHO, only this time in Paso Robles. ECHO held its third annual Empty Bowls celebration at Studios on the Park. The evening featured soup tastings, local wines, live music, and art, with attendees once again receiving a handmade ceramic bowl to take home.
At the Paso Robles event, ECHO CEO Wendy Lewis shared, "Our sponsors are amazing. It's looking like between our first event and this one, we'll have the most successful year ever, which we are so appreciative of, and our goal is to help people be successful."
Wendy also shared that, as of April 22, ECHO has served 100 individuals and families through its programs in 2026 alone.
Potter described Empty Bowls as her favorite fundraiser of the year because of its intimate and communal atmosphere.
“You get to actually sit with people and eat and get to know everybody that’s coming and why they’re supporting ECHO and how they got involved … to hear all of those different whys is really so inspirational,” she said.
As the organization continues its work, the need for services remains significant and growing. Potter pointed to rising housing costs and inflation as key factors driving demand, with many individuals and families struggling to stay housed. In addition to shelter, ECHO provides homelessness prevention assistance, helping people cover rent or bills during times of financial hardship.
Potter also highlighted a common misconception about shelters, noting that ECHO serves not only individuals but families as well. Between its two facilities, the organization houses at least 40 children each night. Meanwhile, the waiting list for services has grown to approximately 300 people countywide.
For more information or to get involved, visit echoshelter.org