The City of Decatur is proposing to acquire the former Oasis Day and Resource Center property and partner with the Salvation Army to restore daytime services for people experiencing homelessness.
Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe announced Thursday that the city submitted a proposal to Heritage Behavioral Health Center, which currently controls the property.
Under the proposal, the city would own and maintain the building, while the Salvation Army would operate the day shelter and provide services.
The former Oasis center closed permanently in October, leaving people who relied on the facility without access to daytime resources, including restrooms, showers, laundry facilities and a place to get out of the weather. The closure also raised concerns among community members and service providers about the lack of a coordinated transition plan.
Moore Wolfe said the city hopes to purchase the property for one dollar or another reasonable, negotiated amount. Heritage originally acquired the property from Easter Seals for one dollar in the late 1990s.
The mayor said the city’s resources, combined with the Salvation Army’s experience, offer an opportunity to restore services as winter approaches.
The Salvation Army has also recognized the work of other organizations, including the Empowerment Opportunity Center and Dove, which have helped address needs since the closure. Those partnerships are expected to continue regardless of the outcome of the city’s proposal.
Salvation Army officials say the center could potentially reopen within one or two months, depending on Heritage’s decision, the property transfer and the resources needed to operate the facility.
Heritage has the option to reject proposals, negotiate with potential buyers or decide not to sell the property.
The city says it hopes to move the process forward quickly to restore daytime services before winter weather intensifies.
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