Central Outreach & Advocacy Center

Central OAC

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Dare to Donate

by Amy Kirkland

What does that mean? Donations are the lifeline of any nonprofit. It is about more than just sending in money for a fundraiser. Donations come in all shapes and sizes. Some of the smallest donations are the most thoughtful. 

Two of my top three most memorable donations were from a guest and former guest. We had a guest we called “Chef” who beat  addiction and went from living under a bridge to having a full time job at an Atlanta Hotel. For quite some time, he received mail at the OAC because he couldn’t get mail at his extended stay hotel. Several times, I can recall him wanting to come in and he would go over to Kimberly’s Office and hand her a $20 bill. He never failed to say how much he appreciated us and when he could he wanted to give back. 

Last year, I had the pleasure of meeting a former guest who took an Uber to come drop off snacks, hygiene products, and even clorox wipes for cleaning the OAC. She said she wanted to give back things that we had previously given her. What a blessing! 

My third favorite donation is a box of first aid kits that a youth volunteer brought in. He said he felt like many guests could really use these supplies. It came full circle when one day we were working the mail desk together. A guest came in with a bad scrape. I was trying to gather a few things from our first aid drawer. Our volunteer sprang from behind the desk to retrieve a kit from under the front table. I had forgotten that we had them. He was so delighted to share something he had contributed and the guest felt like they had gotten something special! 

Each day we rely on donations to meet our guests’ needs. We have volunteers and staff to help with IDs, Birth Certificates,Social Security Cards, and the list goes on. Beyond that almost every guest that comes in is offered two snacks which are almost 100% from donations. The snacks are dropped off at the Center or sent via our Amazon Wishlist! With a donation of one box of crackers and granola bars, you can make a difference. Some days we have sack lunches or sandwiches and that is extra special. We also pass out several hygiene kits per day. Sometimes we have boxes of things donated but often we simply get a bag of unused hotel toiletries from a trip a volunteer took. I cannot say enough about how much donations have meant to the launch of Alison’s Boutique … from the creation of the space to all of the wonderful items that fill it.We dare you to donate, large or small, and watch what a difference you will make in someone’s life! 

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Who Am I?

by Rachel Goodwin, Summer Intern

When creating relationships, identity, positionality, and story-sharing continue to be vital aspects of establishing trust and ethical partner work. At Central, we expand the basic understanding of being in differing life positions and work to diversify our advocacy. By considering all experiences and positions, we are better able to make quality connections. I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing guest stories and developing my perspective on their individual and group identity. Taking intentional time to listen has truly enriched my time at Central and I know many stories will remain in my heart.

By considering who we are, and who others consider themselves to be, we take into consideration all that shapes us and all that can shape us. When I take the time to decenter myself and consider that I am one small step in their larger story, I can better understand their expansive notion of who they are. When we consider our position and identity in relation to others, story-sharing flows more naturally. I have enjoyed my time hearing stories that shape our guests, and it is these stories of hope, determination, and inspiration that will strengthen relationships.

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Steps to Stability

by Shania Barker

Stability is often taken for granted in life until it is no longer there. The feeling of uncertainty that comes with instability can be overwhelming and all-consuming, leaving many, including myself, to forget that, like many things, gaining stability is not universal or straightforward. 

The journey towards stability is a personal and collective endeavor that requires compassion, empathy, and mindfulness. This is something I have both experienced and observed while at Central OAC. When I first began volunteering at Central OAC I was experiencing a time of loss and uncertainty. Although I had started this path of recovery, I felt as if my personal and professional livelihood had failed. These feelings made my work at Central OAC feel sanctimonious and hypocritical at times. “How could I advocate for someone’s bare necessities, such as safe, stable housing, when I was experiencing so much instability?“

It was not until I began to mindfully and wholly engage with the guests that I realized our stories were parallel to one another. The same empathy, patience, and community that the people I saw needed was what I had been looking for in my life. In a way, the guests became a form of accountability for me. 

Each individual defines what their stability looks like. It’s not prescribed or shared, as everyone has their own wants and needs. One thing that is a constant, however, is how we achieve stability and how it is fostered every day. I appreciate the openness I have learned at Central OAC and hope to continue to watch our guests grow and move into sustainable lifestyles.

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Mission May

by Sonja Hodges 

Our Purpose Statement at Central Outreach and Advocacy Center is to open doors to overcome and prevent homelessness. Homelessness is a complex issue that affects individuals and families worldwide. It’s a problem that often stems from various factors, including poverty, lack of affordable housing, mental health issues, substance abuse, and systemic inequalities. While the root causes are many-sided, there are crucial steps we can take to open doors for those experiencing homelessness, helping them find stability and security.

One of the first steps in addressing homelessness is providing immediate support to those in need. It is our mission here at Central OAC to do just that! This support includes shelter access, food, clothing, employment, and healthcare. That access starts with ensuring our guests have the proper identification; without identification, someone experiencing homelessness cannot begin getting shelter, food, employment, and healthcare assistance.

As we continue our mission of opening doors to overcome and prevent homelessness, we challenge you to seek ways during May to help overcome and prevent homelessness by donating financially, volunteering, or just sharing the work we do here at Central OAC. Communities play a crucial role in addressing homelessness. Building a sense of community and empathy can help reduce stigma and create a more supportive environment for those experiencing homelessness.

Homelessness is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. By providing immediate support, access to affordable housing, employment, mental health and substance abuse services, and community involvement, we can open doors for those experiencing homelessness, helping them overcome challenges and rebuilding their lives. Together, we can work towards a future where homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring.