06/01/2026
A Strawberry Milkshake is a Small Rebellion
Shared with permission, this final installment in our Hope Is a Small Rebellion series is a powerful reminder that small rebellions bring hope.
Every year, we never know who or when, but at least one of our EChO Shelter guests spends part of their last year of life there.
Let me tell you about Hope in the form of a Strawberry Milkshake and James, who stayed at the Shelter last year.
James came to the EChO Shelter in October and spent every night there for five months.
One night, he told us his doctor gave him 3-6 months to live.
EChO’s Case Managers connected him with Rocky Mountain Refuge (RMR), offering hospice, housing, and 24-hour care.
A week later, he moved in. But it wasn’t goodbye.
In fact, it’s one of the unique features of the EChO model – often called “wraparound case management services.”
Our Case Managers create relationships with clients that continue long after they're in stable housing.
When James asked for his favorite foods, we brought them. When he developed difficulty swallowing, we brought him his favorite: Strawberry Milkshakes.
Over meals and many milkshakes, he talked about his life and his friendships with the Shelter guests, staff, and volunteers. James found hope in the time remaining.
And after two months at RMR, James passed away peacefully.
In those two months, a conversation, a meal, and a strawberry milkshake were the Small Rebellions against homelessness, hopelessness, and dying alone.
Hope is a small rebellion. And together, we keep choosing it – even when facing death and beyond.
That's what our Rebels of Hope campaign is about: inviting our community to continue this work with us.
Whether you step forward as one of our 100 Rebels of Hope with a gift of $2,500 or a gift meaningful to you, and help extend hope to the community.
Hope - the ultimate “wraparound service.”
With gratitude,
Tim Clancy, EChO Shelter Manager
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