Decatur Proposes Purchase of Oasis Day Center

The city aims to acquire the shuttered facility to continue providing essential services for the local homeless population.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Isometric editorial illustration of a clean, modern municipal building entrance with a geometric awning, representing city acquisition of a resource facility. — The City of Decatur has formally proposed acquiring the shuttered Oasis Day Center to restore essential services for the local homeless population. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The City of Decatur has submitted a formal proposal to purchase the former Oasis Day and Resource Center following its recent permanent closure. Officials plan to transfer operations to the Salvation Army if the acquisition is successful.

Why it matters

The center provided critical day services such as showers and laundry to homeless individuals, and the city move seeks to restore these resources. Heritage Behavior Health Center closed the site to reallocate resources toward broader mental health initiatives.

The city submitted a purchase proposal for the property at a cost of $1. If the current offer is rejected, the city may look to outfit a different building for these services.

The players

Decatur

This local government entity is currently working to address the loss of services for homeless residents.

Heritage Behavior Health Center

This organization formerly operated the facility and is currently shifting its focus toward providing mental health resources.

Salvation Army

This international non-profit organization is slated to manage operations of the facility if the city succeeds in its purchase.

The details

The facility previously offered essential services including mail pickup, laundry, and showers for homeless residents. Heritage Behavior Health Center maintains the right to reject the city's bid or negotiate terms with other interested parties.

September 2026: Heritage announced a temporary pause in services at the facility.
October 2026: The Oasis Day and Resource Center closed permanently.
October 29, 2026: The Decatur Mayor announced that the city submitted a purchase proposal.

Market Landscape

This move reflects the broader industry trend where behavioral health organizations are divesting from non-clinical day services to prioritize core mental health programming. The city intervention highlights a shift in market share for social services as public entities step in to replace specialized non-profit operations.

Residents who previously relied on the Oasis Day and Resource Center for showers, laundry, and mail may see a resumption of services if the city successfully transitions operations to the Salvation Army. The outcome will determine whether these essential resources remain available at their current location.

The takeaway

The city's effort to acquire the center highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining baseline support services as specialized health organizations re-prioritize their missions. Residents should monitor future city council announcements for updates regarding the status of the facility.