In the winter of 1980, Central Presbyterian Church offered its gymnasium to an ecumenical group of volunteers concerned about the growing problem of homelessness in Atlanta. Originally serving men, women, and children, Central Night Shelter has evolved into a winter night shelter for approximately 90-100 men, located jointly in the gymnasium of Central Presbyterian Church (capacity of 65-70) and the Church Hall of the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (capacity of 25-30). The shelter is governed by an ecumenical group of volunteers, directed by Katie Bashor, a member of the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and supported by the staffs of Central and the Shrine.

The Shelter is open seven nights a week from November 1 through March 31. The guests come into the shelter at 7:00pm and receive a hot meal, a shower, a mattress for sleeping, and (on Wednesdays), access to medical and foot care. Each morning they leave at 6:00am with a bagged lunch. All guests are referred to the shelter through several partner agencies dealing with homeless issues in Atlanta. The shelter is an all volunteer organization with no paid staff. The shelter is staffed each night with volunteers from more than 30 different churches, university groups, offices, companies, organizations, families, and individuals. Volunteers prepare and bring the meals, set up for dinner and sleeping, and spend the night at the shelter.

Central Night Shelter is a ministry of hospitality and compassion, offering to our homeless guests a hot meal, a warm safe place to spend the night, medical and foot care, and the fellowship of caring volunteers.

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