The City will partner with the City Rescue Mission for a one-year pilot project to house a homeless daytime resource center.
Mayor Alvin Brown announced the project Thursday at a news conference.
Brown said the project is a step toward developing solutions for those who are trying to rebuild their lives amid personal and economic challenges, according to a news release.
The mission's Downtown campus at 234 W. State St. provides emergency shelter and serves hundreds of people daily through programs.
Improvements to the Downtown campus will begin in December with plans to create capacity for up to 200 people during business hours three days a week beginning in January.
The news release said the center will provide a safe area for the homeless and provide access to workforce skills training and transitional housing services.
Plans include offering Internet access, showers, washers and dryers, office space, telephones with community voice mail and mailbox access.
The release said membership will be based on positive, non-disruptive behavior.
A City staff member will be assigned as a center liaison.
Operational costs and duties will be funded through private donations and the efforts of paid and volunteer homeless people benefiting from the facility.