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by Steve McFall (Chaplain Intern)

“Laughter is like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones,” a wise person once said. We see this broken spirit drying up bones often at Central Outreach and Advocacy. Homelessness, mental illness, addiction, and broken relationships. And then I see the smile of a social worker or the laugh of a staff person. And it’s just like a glimmer, a ray of sunshine medicates the room with a dose of hope, mercy and kindness. I serve as a social worker and Chaplain intern at COA. Most often I am in a small office in an area with three other offices around, we are close together, but I get to hear the laugh of the social worker around me and even for my heart it feels like a vitamin. We gather each morning to share joys and concerns, most often we are given doses of laughter to share as a vaccine to brokenness. I am 62 years old and have spent my life in non-profits, and this group of staff and volunteers has something special to share with a broken world, maybe I’ve just realized it. They have the vaccine to brokenness that they generate each day to numerous guests with the symptoms of a drying up spirit. It’s the miracle working drug of laughter, dispensed in capsules of kindness, injections of smiles and doses of hospitality.

by Kimberly Parker

On August 24, 2004 I walked through the doors of Central Outreach and Advocacy Center. It was the first day of what I thought would be a temporary part-time job. My PURPOSE at the time was to work in order to pay my bills until I received a call to a church. I had very little experience working with people in a homeless situation. I probably got the job in part because my seminary advisor served on the Board of Central OAC and recommended me. I did not see myself serving in this capacity for very long. Again, my PURPOSE was to pay my bills while I continued to seek a call in the church.

I can still remember that first day. I was nervous. I really didn’t know what to expect. And I showed up to learn that who I thought would be my direct supervisor was gone so I had a whole different supervisor. 

I kept seeking a call to a church because I believed that was what God was calling me to do and how God wanted me to serve after finishing seminary. I kept hitting brick walls so I kept working at Central OAC so I could pay my bills. Remember, that was my PURPOSE! After a few months, I was offered a full time position. I took it. Within a year, I slowly began to realize that God’s call was different than I had first imagined. I was indeed being called to serve at Central OAC.

It was and is in a church, on the ground floor, but looks a bit different than where I imagined serving. I don’t preach (at least not in the OAC; every now and then I do get to preach at Central Presbyterian). I don’t serve communion. I don’t baptize people.

However, I sit with folks. I listen. Sometimes I am asked to pray with a guest. Through ID vouchers, a MARTA card, a new outfit from Alison’s Boutique, a piece of picked up mail, food stamp assistance, or a new apartment, we are serving guests experiencing homelessness. I don’t do the “normal” things that a pastor does in a church, but I do serve people and I do serve with a PURPOSE and it’s not just to pay my bills anymore.. 

Twenty years later I am still at Central OAC. My job title changed three times. My job responsibilities changed. My call changed or at least the location. The call to serve never changed. 

The folks who walk through our doors each day are really no different than those who walk through the doors of a church on Sunday mornings. They are human beings facing life, most of the time, a life that may be harder than most people face. Central OAC becomes a place of community for many folks and I get to serve them. It has been an honor and a privilege to do so for 20 years! I am thankful that my call changed and that I was given the opportunity to serve God in this capacity! 

Serving with a purpose … we all do it at Central OAC! 

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.

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.