Central Mission
Central Mission is a respectful, caring space where we respond to the physical and spiritual needs of our downtown neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. On Thursday mornings, we offer a hot breakfast, coffee, toiletries, clothes, and a support group. We partner with local agencies to improve access to social service supports, with the goal of empowering our neighbors to resolve their homelessness.
As a spiritual community, we can do what other social service agencies cannot — we listen, we connect, and we strive to treat each guest as the child of God they are. Personal prayer sessions and Bible study are available, though not required. We walk with people wherever they are on life’s journey, offering words of support and hope. We believe that people experiencing homelessness are strong, resilient, and resourceful, and that no one deserves to be punished because they are poor. By fostering a spirit of peace, welcome, and cooperation, we trust that people experiencing homelessness will receive the care, healing, and spiritual nourishment they need to transition into more secure situations.
Central Mission serves a hot breakfast in Fellowship Hall every Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The following services are also offered:
8:00-9:15 Distribution of hygiene items
8:00-8:45 Clothing Closet is open
10:00 Support group for our unhoused neighbors
Fellowship Hall is open until 11:00 a.m. on Thursdays to allow neighbors to connect with service providers, use the phone, or to have a quiet place to be off the streets.
First and Third Thursdays – Central Health is available to sign people up for the Medical Access Program (MAP) and offers other healthcare referrals
Summer – June 11, 2024 to August 27, 2024, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm – Beat the Heat with Ice Cream Socials in fellowship hall
Current Partnerships
- The Homeless Outreach Street Team provides housing assessments and other referrals.
- Central Health signs neighbors up for the Medical Access Program.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our volunteers are the heart of Central Mission! It takes at least 10 volunteers each week to keep our doors open for our neighbors. Volunteer opportunities include assisting with clothing for neighbors, preparing and serving breakfast and coffee, distributing hygiene items, greeting guests, and providing fellowship or connecting guests with other resources.
Interested in volunteering?
Fill out this volunteer application. Once your application is complete, please contact Andi Brauer, Neighbors Program Manager, at 512.472.2445 ext. 15, .
Donations Needed
There is a huge ongoing need for clothing and shoes that we give out at Central Mission. Donations can be dropped at the Church Tuesday-Friday between 9:00 and 2:00.
Here’s our Amazon wish list. Have items shipped to Central Presbyterian Church, 200 East 8th St, Austin TX 78701. And please share these lists with your friends, family, and neighbors!