STAFF
Program Manager
REGGIE COX
Reggie says:
"The very first time I walked through the doors of Charlie’s Place, it was as a client, having recently lost a long time job and experiencing homelessness for the first time ever in my life. I knew right away this was a special place. It was infectiously welcoming, and I wanted to be a part of it. I started as a volunteer and eventually came on board as staff. Charlie’s Place energizes me. Serving others is an amazing and rewarding experience."
Email Reggie for more information about Charlie’s Place programming.
Floor Coordinator
JOHN WILLIAMS
John's background makes him well-suited for Floor Coordinator. John says: "Being raised by a drill sergeant and a compassionate mother, they taught me to be both compassionate and authoritarian at the same time." John oversees volunteers on the floor and coordinates the Clothing Closet and our other daily programs.
Director of Advancement
ELLEN SILVA
Ellen spent 30 years at NPR News in a variety of leadership positions until retiring in 2021. Before coming to D.C., she was Terry Gross’s researcher at WHYY’s "Fresh Air," worked with comedian George Carlin, and was a jazz DJ in Philadelphia. As an undergrad in the City of Brotherly Love, she volunteered as an outreach worker for the Philadelphia Committee for the Homeless. She lives with her family in the D.C. area and loves when Charlie's Place clients call her “the waffle lady.”
Ellen is the contact point for donors, fundraising, and volunteer coordination at Charlie's Place. She also plans events. If you’re interested in donating or hosting a fundraising event for Charlie’s Place, email Ellen.
Intern
SUMARA BEDWARD
Sumara is a third-year business major at George Washington University, concentrating on entrepreneurship and minoring in communications. She has a deep interest in social entrepreneurship and was brought on as a strategic planning intern to help with grant writing, fundraising, and more.
Sumara says: "Working as an intern for Charlie’s Place has been a fantastic experience. The atmosphere and people are great. I love what this organization stands for, and I am super happy to contribute to its efforts and mission to fight homelessness and hunger in the D.C. area."
Intern
DANIREL GARCIA
Danirel is a first-year justice, law, and criminology major at American University. She is passionate about community empowerment and equity. With a long-term goal of working for the FBI, Danirel is especially interested in how community-based initiatives like Charlie's Place can create safer, more just environments by addressing systemic challenges from the ground up.
Danirel says: "Being surrounded by driven, passionate people who care deeply about making a difference has truly inspired me. I love what Charlie's Place stands for, and I’m so grateful to be part of something that’s actively working toward positive change. It's been amazing to contribute to a mission that aligns with my own values and commitment to justice and equity."
Regular Volunteer
DR. GENE BATISTE
Gene has been a member of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church for over 25 years. He’s a beloved weekly volunteer at Charlie’s Place, where he is known for his intelligence, wit, strength, and beautiful bass-baritone voice. He is the Chief Catalyst at With Respect Consulting, where he serves as an executive leadership coach, facilitator, qualitative researcher, and strategist. Dr. Batiste comes from a military family, having lived in Japan, Hawaii, and San Antonio, Texas. He and his husband, Scott Honeychurch, a nursing administrator at George Washington University Hospital, live in Washington, D.C., with Bravo, their Welsh Terrier.
Regular Volunteer
RUTH TREVARROW
Ruth makes sandwiches every Wednesday for Thursday breakfast and our Mustard Seed Outreach Ministry.
Ruth says: "I love being part of Charlie's Place! I am an artist and worked at the Smithsonian for 32 years. I'm retired and filled with gratitude. I aspire to continue making very good sandwiches and beating my personal best for a high total of 80 sandwiches in a day. Wish me luck!"