Goss is program manager of Charlie’s Place, a program based in Dupont Circle and designed to help the homeless become independent and empowered.
How did you get involved at Charlie’s Place?
I’ve been involved since 2006, and I’ve been doing social justice — especially with the homeless — in the D.C. area for a couple years. Then there was a job opening at Charlie’s Place.
In your own words, what is the mission of Charlie’s Place?
It’s one of empowerment. Our goal is to meet people where they’re at and help our clients to take steps necessary to better their lives whether that be to help them find housing or employment, or just a meal to start the day off. Our goal is to help them be independent.
What programs does Charlie’s Place offer?
It’s primarily a meal program open four days week, Tuesday through Friday from 6:30 to 9 [a.m.]. We provide a full meal for our clients, as well as housing and employment services. We also have clothing, mail and toiletry distribution and HIV testing and counseling. We work with Transgender Health Empowerment Inc. to have HIV testing and counseling. They’re a really great group.
How have you seen it affect the homeless community?
By the clients we manage to serve and find housing and employment for. In the past three years, we’ve found housing for 46 clients and employment for 113.
Where do you find employment for your clients?
It varies, but it tends to be [menial] jobs — washing dishes, helping do janitorial work.
What is the most rewarding part of managing Charlie’s Place?
The most rewarding part is not seeing a client anymore — to be able to help the clients take the step to become independent. It’s hard to see 80 clients come in destitute every morning, and we help them become independent and have a better environment.
Erica Redmond
