In over three decades, Charlie’s Place has served some 350,000 meals to unhoused guests and those with low incomes who walk through its doors. Many are stepping into a caring environment for the first time in years. Each week, 150+ clients begin building trust over food: they eat a nutritious breakfast while relaxing, playing music, using the washroom, getting a haircut, and addressing any medical problems with a bilingual physician. They grab clothing and a bagged lunch before they leave, knowing they have a supportive space to return to. Over time, Charlie’s Place staff – former guests themselves – develop relationships with clients, working with them individually to secure housing and employment, and to connect with others through women’s and prayer groups. A nurturing environment helps hundreds of clients feel at home – and opens pathways to independence.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 2

Where They Operate: DC-Ward 1; DC-Ward 2; DC-Ward 7; DC-Ward 8; Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights deliver meals to Wards 7 and 8

Age Groups Served: Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); Seniors (50+)

Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Individuals who identify as LGBTQ; Individuals living with HIV/AIDs; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Men/Boys; Women/Girls; Students; Veterans/Military Families; Immigrants/Refugees


  • Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) we serve annually:   25,000 meals to 450 unique individuals
  • Number of volunteers who work with us annually:  
    1,100 volunteers from all over the country, who donate more than 10,000 hours
  • Visits to our Licensed Clinical Nurse Practitioner:   370 in 2015
  • Articles of clothing distributed:   Over 1,000
  • Clients in our case management program in 2015:  
    48 clients, with 26 finding jobs and 22 placed into housing

Awards & Recognition

2014, 2015 - Dupont Circle Citizens Association award for service
2015, 2016 - Chosen by Stone Soup Films for documentary production

Press

  • No stories found

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • The current budget for Charlie's Place at St. Margaret's is: Less than $500k

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