October 12, 2026 – Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe is calling on community organizations, churches and the leadership of Heritage Behavioral Health to help address the needs of people experiencing homelessness following Heritage’s announcement of the permanent closure of the Oasis Day Center.
During a Monday press conference, Moore Wolfe said the city is working to identify immediate resources for people who relied on Oasis for showers, laundry, restroom facilities, mail and a safe place to spend the day.
The mayor said the city initially convened a crisis team to address short-term needs after Heritage announced Oasis would pause operations. The city learned last week that the closure would be permanent, expanding the effort to include long-term solutions.
Moore Wolfe said the city is exploring mobile shower and laundry services, along with restroom access. However, she noted that enclosed facilities will be necessary as colder weather approaches.
Oasis will have limited hours for clients to retrieve their belongings from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays through November 8th.
Moore Wolfe said the city is seeking a long-term solution before winter arrives, noting that the facility previously provided essential services to an estimated 30 to 60 people daily, according to information shared with the city.
The mayor said the most practical option may be to reopen Oasis in its existing location and asked the Heritage board to consider returning the building to the community.
“The easiest thing and the quickest answer is the Oasis building as it is,” Moore Wolfe said.
She said the Continuum of Care is willing to help operate a day center for at least half days, though questions remain about who would oversee the facility and its daily operations.
The mayor also encouraged churches, nonprofits and other community organizations to work together to identify available space and resources.
“We’re here to figure out what we’re going to do now,” Moore Wolfe said, emphasizing the urgency of finding services for people experiencing homelessness as temperatures begin to fall.
