(Decatur, IL) — The looming financial crisis of Decatur’s Oasis Day Center, caused by Gov. Rod
Blagojevich’s decision to slash funding to the homeless day shelter, has generated generous support from local residents.
A May 5 town meeting brought in $77,705, nearly half of what Oasis needs to offset a $160,000 cut in state funding for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
The Decatur Club of AT&T Pioneers, a group of telecommunications employees and retirees who take on charitable project, presented a $500 check on Thursday.
The crisis was triggered after the Illinois Division of Mental Health said it would cut annual funding from $230,000 to $75,000 for the coming year.
So far donations have come from stock worth approximately $50,000, individuals giving $11,505, St. Mary’s Hospital $10,000, and local churches $5,700.
“We’ve heard from other churches who are planning to donate but don’t know yet what that will be,” said Diana Knaebe, president of Heritage Behavioral Health Center.
She added that half the proceeds from a premiere of a documentary film in Decatur next month could generate another $10,000 to $15,000.
The center serves 175 to 200 people daily.
