Central's Outreach Program reaches out to Local Community needs in Traverse City.  Service available to all regardless of religious affiliations.

We appreciate donations for our program.  Immediate Outreach Needs include:  Hand & Foot Warmers, Deodorant, Disposable Razors, Hotel Size Liquid Soap, Chapstick, Packetize Kleenex and Granola Bars.

Community Outreach

Central's Fellowship Hall opens its doors seven days a week to the homeless and economically challenged in the winter months and five days a week year round. Services provided to clients include a hot breakfast, access to showers and a phone, as well as a message and mail center. Most importantly, Community Outreach provides a safe and warm environment and good fellowship. Our Community Outreach Coordinator, Jane Lippert works with guests on job and assistance applications, provides BATA bus passes to those with special needs, and counseling on how to obtain other services they may need. Guests may stay as long as they like during the hours we are open. Read our latest Outreach Newsletter - Winter 2018.   Go to the local guide for homeless services in our area provided by the Street Outreach Blog.

Community Meal

Central Church joins eight other local churches to serve a hot meal to the homeless and economically challenged year around – seven days a week. Central hosts its Community Meal every Thursday from Noon until 1 pm in the Fellowship Hall. We have rotating teams of volunteers that cook, serve and clean up after the meal each Thursday. If you are interested in forming a team or would like to volunteer, please contact Jane Lippert.

Safe Harbor Shelter

Central United Methodist Church provides volunteers and meals with over twenty other Traverse City area churches in the Safe Harbor program which provides temporary shelter, meals and fellowship for the homeless of Grand Traverse region during the cold weather portion of the year. The shelter, located at 517 Wellington Street in Traverse City, normally opens in early November and ends in mid April.  Go to the Safe Harbor Website for more detailed information and to volunteer.

Central's dates to provide volunteers for the current Safe Harbor season can be found on the Safe Harbor website. If you are interested in serving on the shelter planning committee or being added to our volunteer list, please contact Kathy Dally.