Volunteers Aid Homeless After Oasis Closure

Heritage Behavioral Health Center shut the Oasis Day and Resource Center in Decatur, prompting volunteers to deliver supplies to homeless residents in Central Park.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Philanthropy

Park bench beside an empty paved path under mature trees, holding folded blankets and a box of bread and water in warm evening light. — Volunteers delivered blankets, food, and supplies to homeless residents in Decatur's Central Park after Heritage Behavioral Health Center closed the Oasis Day and Resource Center last month. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Heritage Behavioral Health Center abruptly closed the Oasis Day and Resource Center last month, which had provided homeless people in Decatur with daytime shelter, laundry access, showers, and storage lockers. Volunteers responded by distributing food, blankets, and supplies in Central Park on Wednesday evening.

Why it matters

The closure removed a daytime refuge for Decatur's homeless population, leaving residents to rely on informal and charitable aid. The city of Decatur and The Salvation Army have submitted a proposal to obtain the building from Heritage, which could determine whether a comparable resource returns.

Northeast Community Fund provided 15 blankets for Wednesday evening's distribution in Central Park. The reporting does not state how many homeless residents the Oasis previously served, and it remains unclear how long the supply of donated items will last.

The players

Heritage Behavioral Health Center

A behavioral health provider that operated the Oasis Day and Resource Center before closing it abruptly last month.

The Salvation Army

A international Christian charitable organization that partnered with the city of Decatur on a proposal to obtain the Oasis building and donated ponchos for the distribution.

Archer Daniels Midland Co.

A multinational agricultural processing and food company whose employee Brittney Larson delivered donated food to Central Park.

The details

Volunteers visited Central Park on Wednesday evening with pizza, water, cookies, blankets, coats, and undergarments, while The Salvation Army donated ponchos. Angie Goode collected blankets, comforters, and sleeping bags, laundered them, and bagged them for distribution, and Archer Daniels Midland Co. employee Brittney Larson delivered donated food to the park.

Last month: Heritage Behavioral Health Center closed the Oasis Day and Resource Center.
Wednesday evening: Volunteers distributed food and blankets in Central Park.

Community Response

When a formal shelter closes, aid typically shifts to informal networks of volunteers and charities that distribute blankets and food in public spaces. Decatur's Central Park distribution follows that pattern, with groups such as The Salvation Army and volunteers stepping in after the Oasis closure.

Residents who want to help can donate blankets, coats, and other supplies to volunteer efforts in Decatur. The loss of the Oasis means homeless residents currently lack a daytime location for showers, laundry, and storage.

The takeaway

Local donations of blankets, coats, and hygiene items help fill the gap when a daytime resource closes. Watching for the outcome of the city and The Salvation Army's bid for the building will show whether the Oasis or a similar service returns to Decatur.