The Central Outreach and Advocacy Center has two goals: to help provide emergency food and services to the homeless and impoverished in the Atlanta area, as well as advocating at all levels of government to promote public policy changes that directly impact the needs of those it serves.

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, Central Outreach and Advocacy Center (COAC) 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.

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

With a small staff and volunteers, 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.