Stories from the Shelter
Meet the Team 2025
Pictured: Dave and honorary team member, ECHO the Cat.
Dave Whitaker, Program Director
Meet Dave Whitaker, the Program Director for Project ECHO. Dave began his journey with Project ECHO nineteen years ago, working nights and weekends. When he started, the residence could only accommodate 24 people. In 2009, Dave was instrumental in the move to the new (and current) building, even helping to carry furniture and assist the residents in moving their personal belongings.
Dave may have been born in Fort Lauderdale, FL, but he grew up in Southern Maryland and has been a Calvert County resident for 20 years. Initially, he was drawn to Project ECHO as he needed a job to get back on his feet. He has worked here ever since and says his commitment stems from having experienced homelessness himself. He understands the long, arduous journey to regain stability and wants to support others in their fight to improve themselves.
We asked Dave what a typical day might be like, and he said it’s difficult to pinpoint as each one brings new and exciting, sometimes daunting, challenges. He spends a lot of time ensuring the house remains orderly and functional. He meets with the residents regularly to assist them in their goals of transitioning to permanent housing. While we receive some funding from government programs, Project ECHO relies heavily on the support of people and private donations. Because of this, Dave also engages in community outreach to help raise awareness about homelessness and seek help and donations.
Dave can also be seen wearing many other hats—he invests both time and physical effort in repairs to the shelter and the transitional housing; he plans and participates in celebrations and parties for the residents; and he always has time to speak to anyone who is struggling, whether they are residents or not. During the holidays, he’s known to the staff and residents as “Mr. Christmas.”
Among his current goals for Project ECHO is the creation of more shared living houses to provide affordable housing options. Southern Maryland has very few affordable housing options, and aside from the Housing Choice Voucher Program, Calvert County has nearly none. Dave would also like to raise awareness that “Homeless individuals are just like everyone else; they are all just striving to get back on their feet.”
Another of Dave’s current goals is to collaborate with state, government, and private entities to reform affordable housing systems and help people not only find homes but also stay in them.
When asked what he would do with $1,000,000, he replied, “I would explore purchasing additional houses for Project ECHO’s shared housing programs and seek to acquire a location to expand our thrift store services. My goal is to grow Project ECHO to be completely self-sufficient and reduce reliance on government funding.”
When not at the shelter, Dave enjoys reading, camping, hiking, and spending time with his sons.