Central Avenue Center of Hope
Central Avenue Center of Hope
The Central Avenue Center of Hope is a local agency housed in a converted gymnasium, near downtown Kansas City, Kansas in Wyandotte County, staffed by one full-time employee and many volunteers. The community served consists of many homeless, unemployed or under-employed, low- income individuals and families.
Many of our clients face the difficulties of medical conditions, emotional problems, or broken or harmful family relationships. Some are veterans who have not transitioned into mainstream society. Others have become victim to economic or health reversals. Yet others have lost homes and means of support due to substance abuse and/or the stigma of prison records.
School-age children lack appropriate clothing and school supplies in order to go to school. The needs of the people of this community are seasonal for some and on a daily basis for others.
Food Kitchen
Food Kitchen
The Food Kitchen serves lunch-time meals each week day. During the summer or winter vacations more children come with parents for lunch because they don’t have school lunches. Special meals are served on Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Homeless Services
Homeless Services
Homeless outreach distributes blankets, coats, and food for days the center is closed and offers a place to rest during the day to endure the hardships of life on the streets.
Showers
Showers
Individuals may take hot showers and receive personal item kits consisting of soap, shampoo, a razor, comb, and other donated toiletries. Families depend on the food pantry for distribution of food, school supplies, and holiday baskets.
Commodities
Commodities
The Center of Hope is also a distribution point for State of Kansas Commodities. The thrift store offers a place to purchase inexpensive clothing, furniture, household items, and toys.
Thrift Store
Thrift Store
The thrift store also furnishes a small income to defer some of the costs of operating the Center of Hope. Referrals are made for clients who need specialized care.
Ways to Give or Volunteer
Ways to Give or Volunteer
Donations of food, money, clothing, furniture, and miscellaneous thrift store items, travel-sized soaps, shampoos, deodorant, tooth paste, toothbrushes, combs, used candles, and 5-6 ounce cans (such as tuna or cat food cans) and lighters are always needed.
