CADILLAC— The Salvation Army’s drop-in center in Cadillac reopened Monday following a nearly two-month closure caused by safety and security concerns. The facility, which serves as a daytime warming shelter, had been closed since Jan. 12.
The center was forced to shut down during the winter’s coldest months to address serious security issues, including threatening messages sent to staff and clients. Officials also reported infighting among visitors and suspected drug activity at the site. The reopening follows the implementation of new safety measures and building renovations designed to improve privacy and oversight.
Captain Greg Bock, with the Cadillac Salvation Army, said the organization chose to shut down immediately to address the escalating situation. “We initially shut down because of the security issues we were experiencing, the harassment, you know, some threats against me and, some of my staff,” Bock said. He emphasized that the center is intended to be a safe space and that such behavior would not be tolerated. “We don’t exist for that kind of behavior here,” Bock said. “We don’t want that kind of behavior here.”During the nearly two-month closure, the Salvation Army moved forward with renovations that had been in discussion for two years. Crews installed new flooring and swapped the locations of the front office and the pantry to provide visitors with more privacy. Bock said the new layout also functions as a waiting room to prevent crowding in the hallways. “So when people walk in the building, they won’t see a hallway full of people or everybody knows who’s coming in, going out, getting in each other’s business, that kind of thing,” Bock said.New security protocols are now in place, including a mandatory sign-in process at the door. The organization is also utilizing volunteers to monitor the center during operating hours. David Ruetz, a volunteer monitor, said the transition to the new rules has been smooth for the clients. “We have a list of expectations that, we want to emphasize,” Ruetz said. “And, everyone that has come in has read the expectations and understand, that there are things that are expected.”On the second day of the reopening, the center served approximately 15 people for lunch. While Bock noted that attendance numbers have not yet returned to their typical levels, he said the atmosphere has been positive. “We have people in the building having hot lunch, getting services that they need, and, it’s good to be back open,” Bock said. He noted that many visitors value the social interaction provided at the center, stating that “they want people just, to talk to them, to speak to them.”The facility, located on Wright Street, has served the community from that location for 50 years. Officials noted that the renovations are part of a larger effort to improve the building during its anniversary year.
The Salvation Army plans to hold a celebration to mark the building’s 50th anniversary on May 12th. Additional improvements to the facility are expected to continue throughout the year.