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DeKalb approves interim site for county day center at New Life Community Alliance
Summary
The board approved moving the DeKalb Day Center anchor location to New Life Community Alliance with a phased plan (7 months at New Life, then a transition to a county‑identified facility); commissioners pressed staff on services, transportation and laundry/showers during the interim.
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved an amended venue on May 26 to open an interim DeKalb Day Center at New Life Community Alliance, after Peace Baptist withdrew from hosting and earlier plans shifted among providers.
Administration said the approved contract would place the day center on New Life’s campus for seven months, with New Life providing services and the county seeking a longer‑term facility to acquire or lease later this year. Director Mitchell told commissioners the plan calls for a phased rollout: a soft opening followed by scaled operations as contracts and renovations are completed.
Commissioners pressed staff for implementation details. Commissioner Long Spears asked whether showers, laundry and other onsite services would be available; staff said showers exist on site and that laundry capability will be enhanced (and that mobile or interim laundry solutions are being explored). Transportation for clients will use a fast‑track contract previously approved to provide pickup and drop‑off services.
Commissioner Owens asked whether other potential sites — including Saint Vincent de Paul — had been considered; staff said a parallel proposal for the Saint Vincent de Paul facility (about 10,000 sq ft) would be presented separately and could cost approximately $1.5–2 million for renovations and program budgets. The board approved the venue change and the contract allowing New Life to operate the day center under the phased schedule.
Next steps: staff will finalize the contract language with county law and proceed with signatures; the administration will return to the board if an extension or purchase of a permanent facility is needed. Commissioners asked to be notified about interim logistics including laundry capacity, transportation rollout and a timeline for transitioning to a permanent site.
This article is based on the board’s venue amendment discussion and vote on the DeKalb Day Center beginning with staff presentation and Commissioner questions.
