Central OAC

by Amy Kirkland

Each morning, I head to the COAC, and each morning I rely on the generous donations of others to help run the mail check line. Sometimes, the most powerful gift we receive is someone donating their time. It’s truly a two-person job—sometimes even three—to keep everything running smoothly.

Donated snacks and hygiene items always brighten our guests’ day. These items arrive in many ways:

• Through our Amazon Wish List

• Sandwiches prepared as a mission project by one of our supporting congregations

• Hygiene kits assembled during VBS or donated by a corporate sponsor

• A box of crackers left in the narthex by a Central member

Most of our guests go through each of their days by carrying all their belongings with them. Their days are filled with the challenge of finding food, a safe place to rest, and somewhere to shower. Having a steady supply of snacks and travel-sized toiletries makes a hard day just a little more bearable.

As you go through your own day—deciding between sparkling or still water, ham or turkey—take a moment to think of our unhoused neighbors. For them, the choices are far more basic: Where will I eat? Where can I get clean? Will someone see me today?

So, I dare you—
Dare to donate your time.
Dare to donate needed items.
Dare to make a difference for someone just trying to get by.

by Sonja Hodges (Employment Specialist)

When I first walked through the doors of Central OAC, I didn’t fully grasp how deeply this place would shape me, not just as an employee, but as a person. I came thinking, this job is a blessing, I get to work somewhere I could actually help people in a way that was actually tangible. What I didn’t expect was how much I would learn, grow and be transformed by the very people I came to help.

So, who am I at Central OAC?

I am a listener. Everyday, I hear stories, stories of struggle, survival, strength, resilience, and hope. Whether it’s someone who has just started experiencing homelessness or someone that’s been living on the streets for years, someone trying to get ID, someone looking for something to eat, to use the restroom, or simply seeking a safe space to be seen and heard, I listen wholeheartedly. Because here at Central OAC every story matters.

I am an advocate. Working at the OAC means being a voice for those who are often unseen and unheard. It means challenging systems that are broken and policies that fail the most vulnerable. Advocacy isn’t always loud, sometimes it’s quiet persistence, a phone call, a connection, or simply being a constant safe space for individuals when they feel alone.

I am a bridge. Between resources and people. Between despair and dignity. Between what is and what could be. I help people navigate barriers, celebrate small victories, and keep overcoming, one step at a time.

I am a learner. The guests I encounter daily at Central OAC have taught me strength comes in many forms and that hope can bloom in the most unexpected places. I’ve learned the art of resilience. I was even taught a new self defense technique known as “Kountry Kung-Fu”! If you’re ever here at Central ask us about it!!!

I am part of a mission. Central Outreach and Advocacy Center isn’t just a workplace, it is a community. We believe in meeting people where they are with patience and humility, and treating each person with respect and dignity. Being a part of this organization fills my soul.

So, who am I at Central OAC?

I am a servant, a teacher, a student, a safe space, a cheerleader!

And I am honored, every single day, to do this work!

by OJ Flowers (Communication Coordinator)

In the heart of nearly every city, nestled among skyscrapers and bustling streets, lives a resilient community too often overlooked. A community of individuals experiencing homelessness who attempt to navigate systemic systems that feel impersonal and overwhelming, all while seeking something as simple and as vital as stability. In Atlanta, tucked between the Capitol building and City Hall, Central Outreach and Advocacy Center (OAC) stands as a beacon of hope. Our mission is rooted in deep compassion, as we strive to be passionate advocates and committed partners to those striding toward renewed life and lasting stability.

One of the cornerstones of our work is building a community of trust and support. For many guests, walking through the doors of Central OAC is more than an act of necessity; it’s the first step toward transformation. They find access to services and a team that sees them as the human beings they are. Team members like Amy and Camille do more than offer mail or snacks; they offer kindness and dignity. They greet guests by name, provide a listening ear, and help ease the burden of the day because it’s hard to think about housing or employment when your stomach is empty, or your name feels forgotten.

Our employment services provide tailored support to help guests fine-tune resumes, prepare for interviews, and dress the part with clothing from Alison’s Boutique. Employment Specialist Sonja works one-on-one with guests, walking alongside them as they take tangible steps toward meaningful employment. At Central OAC, we understand that securing a job isn’t just about financial stability; it’s about restoring dignity and fostering a sense of belonging. A job can be the breath that brings someone back to life, the spark that reignites a sense of purpose.

But the journey doesn’t stop there. Our Advocacy Coordinator, Sarah, works behind the scenes to dismantle the systemic barriers that keep people stuck in cycles of poverty and homelessness. She helps pave the way for long-term change for the entire community through policy work, education, and strategic advocacy

At Central Outreach and Advocacy Center, our commitment remains unwavering. We walk beside our guests with compassion as they take steps toward stability. Together, we can continue to open doors and create pathways to stability for individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. Whether you choose to volunteer, advocate, donate, or learn more, know that you are helping create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. And for our guests, that means everything as they take steps toward stability.

by Camille Frink (Supportive Services Coordinator)

When I first started my position here at Central OAC, I was handed a large set of keys. Each key does something different–some open office doors, some open supply closets, some open outside doors–but all of the keys look identical. Despite having and using these keys everyday, I could not tell you which one opens any given door, except for my office. I have tried labelling the keys, I have tried to remember the numbers written on the keys, anything to keep them straight, but still I fumble with them everyday. 

As I reflect on our mission this month–to open doors to overcome and prevent homelessness–I am reminded of just how many “keys” the guests we serve need in order to move forward. Finding and keeping track of these keys to stability, like state identification, a birth certificate, a new food stamps card, etc. can be overwhelming. Scheduling an appointment for a replacement social security card can be a monumental task for someone who doesn’t have a way to look up how to call the social security office, let alone have a phone of their own to use. Updating your resume, setting up an email address, and preparing for a job interview is overwhelming for anyone, let alone someone without stable housing.

Everyday, I see our volunteers, interns, and staff work with guests to find the keys they need to move forward. We call and sit on hold with state vital records offices, trying to make sure our guests have the documents they need to get their birth certificates. We make sure every guest has walking directions to driver’s services to get their state ID. We let them know when they have ID, they can come back and begin the process of looking for work, if they wish. Everyday, we make sure our guests not only have the keys they need, but know which one unlocks which door, and that they know they are not alone in their journey.