DeKalb County Advances Plan for Homeless Day Center After Library Shooting

The proposed facility would provide showers, meals, laundry, and job support services.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A DeKalb County commission committee has advanced a plan to open a day center for people experiencing homelessness. The proposal follows a recent shooting incident at the Decatur Library, which has become a gathering spot for those without housing. The new facility would be operated by the Salvation Army and offer basic social services including showers, meals, and laundry, as well as mental health outreach and potential job training.

Why it matters

The shooting at the Decatur Library highlighted the growing issue of homelessness in the area and the need for dedicated services and support. This new day center aims to provide a safe and resource-rich environment for those in need, addressing the root causes of homelessness and reducing the burden on public spaces like libraries.

The details

The day center would be located on Covington Highway inside a building at Peace Baptist Church. It would operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, providing basic social services including showers, meals, and laundry. The Salvation Army would run the center, and Claratel Behavioral Services would offer mental health outreach. The facility would cost $1.23 million a year to run, which includes rent and funding for eight staff members.

  • The shooting at the Decatur Library occurred earlier this month.
  • The DeKalb County commission committee advanced the plan for the day center on Thursday, February 27, 2026.
  • If approved by the full commission, the center could be operational as early as April 2026.

The players

Ted Terry

DeKalb County District Six Commissioner, who urged thoughtfulness in the process of opening the day center.

Zach Williams

DeKalb County Chief Operating Officer, who stated that the Salvation Army's services "make sense" for the proposed facility.

Medicus Brown

The suspect in the shooting incident at the Decatur Library, who reportedly did not have housing.

The Salvation Army

The organization that would run the day center and provide basic social services.

Claratel Behavioral Services

The organization that would offer mental health outreach at the day center.

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What they’re saying

“I know the incident at the library maybe initiated this to be sort of rolled out maybe quicker than normal.”

— Ted Terry, DeKalb County District Six Commissioner (fox5atlanta.com)

“What the Salvation Army is offering, it makes sense for us at this point. We get them in and then, you know, slowly but surely, you know, maybe some job training or maybe some, getting your ID.”

— Zach Williams, DeKalb County Chief Operating Officer (fox5atlanta.com)

What’s next

The measure passed DeKalb's Planning, Economic Development and Community Services Committee unanimously on Thursday evening. The plan will now go before the full commission for final approval in two weeks.

The takeaway

This new day center for the homeless in DeKalb County is a proactive step in addressing the growing issue of homelessness in the area, which was highlighted by the recent shooting incident at the Decatur Library. By providing basic services and support, the facility aims to help those in need while also reducing the burden on public spaces like libraries.