Mark and Katie Bashor have been deeply involved with Central Night Shelter for the past 28 years. Mark began working at Central Night Shelter during the winter of 1981-82, the second winter the shelter was open. A short time later he met Katie and was responsible for getting her involved. Mark served as Director of Central Night Shelter for fourteen years and was succeeded by Katie who has been Director for the last nine years. During their combined twenty three years as Directors they have implemented many significant changes including an expansion of the shelter into their church, the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception next door to Central Presbyterian Church. This all volunteer ministry of hospitality and healing welcomes 90-100 men each night from November 1st through March 31st, providing them with a hot meal, showers, an on-site weekly health clinic, a foot care clinic, yoga classes, a walking/running club, and, most importantly, a safe, comfortable, and welcoming home.

During this time, Mark, who holds a PhD in Biochemistry from Vanderbilt University Medical School, has held senior and executive leadership positions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He has also served on Advisory Boards/Boards of Directors for other organizations serving people without homes. Katie, a graduate of the University of Vermont, teaches Physical Education at Fernbank Elementary School. In addition, they have raised two children: Ryan, a geology student at the University of Idaho and Jessie, a recent graduate of Georgia College and State University's Nursing Program, currently working at Grady Hospital. Both Ryan and Jessie have been shelter volunteers from birth, and will tell you that growing up in a shelter gives one a unique and wonderful perspective on life.