The Central Outreach and Advocacy Center has two goals:

1. To assist others in avoiding or recovering from homelessness; 2. To advocate on behalf of the poor and homeless: before public bodies; for homeless or impoverished individuals who have suffered an injustice; and to educate the greater community about the issue of homelessness thereby creating new advocates.

The center was established as a separate independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 1997 to continue Central Presbyterian Church’s history of hospitality to the homeless. In 2002, the center extended its mission to include advocacy, so that the homeless and impoverished could have an additional voice in the community.

Each year, the Central Outreach and Advocacy Center (OAC) provides food, clothing, medical assistance, identification and birth certificates, MARTA tokens, and drug, alcohol and housing referrals for almost 7,000 homeless and impoverished individuals and families.  In 2008, the Center opened the "Main Frame: Computers for Change" which is a computer learning lab and job readiness program.

Together with the Central Presbyterian Church and our special community partners (listed in our links page) the OAC strives to make not only an immediate, but a lasting difference in people’s lives.

With a small staff and volunteers, the Central Outreach and Advocacy Center offers counseling and hospitality services such as snacks, beverages, restrooms and telephones every weekday.  Counselors help guests with ID services, shelter referrals and medical care including dental, prescription glasses, and treatment for alcohol and drug dependency.