CADILLAC — We are learning new information into the recent temporary closure of Cadillac Salvation Army’s drop in center.
The drop in center is a popular hang out spot for some homeless people in the area to stay warm until the overnight shelters open back up in the afternoons.
Officer in Command, Captain Greg Bock said they have been dealing with several issues in recent months forcing them to close January 12th.
“The security issues. There were threats on the telephone. There was infighting amongst some of the people in the community center,” said Bock.
He said it’s not the first time in recent months, they’ve had to call the police.
“I know it’s been a handful of times. You know, when there’s, people fighting with each other, when there’s fights, when there’s, suspected drug activity. We bring in law enforcement,” said Bock.
Bock said the tipping point was after receiving 3 threatening phone messages aimed not only at staff but also at people who hang out at the drop in center.
“It’s not just about, safety of those individuals, it’s about the safety of our staff and our other clients that utilize those services,” said Bock.
He said he understands the timing isn’t the best with it recently being the coldest weather we’ve seen this winter but safety is a priority.
“We didn’t want to do it in January. Of course, that’s not the optimal time to do something like this, but safety has to be the floor, not the ceiling,” said Bock.
He said they planned on restructuring in the spring, this just moves up the timeline.
Bock said a big change includes having more community partners present in the building, offering courses, like addiction, mental health, and other topics that will help them get back on their feet. He said they will be mandatory if you want to stay at the center and it will help them keep track of who is coming to the drop in center by having them sign up for courses.
“It’s dialing in on what we have to offer and really hold them accountable too. Okay, you come here. You are here for help. Now, here’s the help offered.
He said they also plan to install better security cameras but he doesn’t want to have to have a locked entrance, it’s just another barrier to the help they need, unless they have to.
He said the drop in center is the only thing affected at the Salvation Army.
“All of our services are still intact. Still functional and operational. It’s just that ability to come in and hang out during the day. So nothing has really changed except for allowing people to hang out here all day. So, people still come in. We have food available in the front. They can take warm up, take it and go,” said Bock.
Bock said they are still nailing down the details but hope to open back up by March if not sooner.