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WARD 8 RESIDENT CLOTHES HOMELESS AND JOBSEEKERS
December 9, 2011
Since 2009, Charles Thompson has been living off of $674 per month, and says that he’s happier now than he ever was before. Cliché? Not for Thompson who is dedicated to helping others.
“I took up residence in Ward 8 [2009] and wanted to make a difference in the community in which I was living. . . I wanted to become in relationship with the people in Ward 8.”
And, he did. Thompson held a coat drive in the fall of that year. In addition to the coats and jackets, he also received gloves, scarves, boots, and other items. He packed them in a rollaway suitcase and walked the streets, as well as rode the metro and bus looking for homeless people who needed the clothing. “I would get off with them, start a conversation, and provide them with items they needed.”
Literally, step-by-step, Thompson’s idea grew and eventually, he started receiving suits, blouses, dress shirts, and other articles of clothing that better fit people looking for jobs. That’s when Thompson started expanding his efforts outside of Ward 8 and began working with non-profit organizations in the District to provide clothing to jobseekers, leading him to incorporate his business – Warm Hearts, Inc.
The D.C. Lottery selected Thompson as its November D.C. Lottery Gold Community Service Award winner for his outreach work to clothe the homeless and those seeking employment, while managing his personal health challenges. “I found the work to be healing to my mind and spirit as well as my body,” Thompson said. Smiling, he added, “This year alone, I’ve helped 700 people, and I’ve heard from 120 of them. Some people were offered jobs.”
Christine Berry, one of five volunteers who helps Thompson when he is physically unable to work, nominated him. She wrote, “Charles provides clothing for homeless persons year round. He does not have a car, so most of his work is done on foot. He also collaborated with non-profits in D.C. who offer “Job Readiness Training” and Charles provides dress clothing for the students to wear on job interviews.
Charles. . . only gets $674 a month and still spends his money to provide for the clothing needs of the community.”
The D.C. Lottery and Charitable Games Control Board’s headquarters is in Ward 8, and Executive Director Buddy Roogow commended Thompson. “The saying, ‘charity starts at home’ comes to mind, as Charles Thompson began his community outreach right here in Ward 8, where he is a resident. Through word-of-mouth and his good works, Mr. Thompson is now assisting those throughout the city of Washington, D.C. The D.C. Lottery is honored to present Mr. Thompson with its Gold Community Service Award.”
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