Shemilah Community Outreach Center searching for new building

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Shemuel Sanders, Executive Director of Shemilah Community Outreach Center, got a call in February that he never expected. The person he was renting his building from was the victim of a fraudulent sale, and now he had to move out.

Sanders later learned that the federal government would take property of the building on April 15th, because the man who sold the building, purchased it with fraudulent funds and is facing federal conspiracy charges.

Sanders is scrambling to find a new location and a place to store the organization's equipment and vehicles, as well as operate programs for the organizations 125 participants.

"I did so much renovation and made over this whole place because I thought this was going to be our home base for as long as I did the outreach," said Sanders. "I really thought we were in for the long haul and this would be a safe haven for youth from all parts of Decatur."

Shemilah Outreach operates out of the basement of the Perfected Prayze Church at 1414 W. Grove Road. Sanders said its the perfect spot because it has classrooms that can be divided by age, a kitchen to prepare meals for the kids, and enough room to store the organization's vehicles.

While several organizations have connected with Sanders to see if they can provide temporary space to the organization, it will be difficult to find a location with enough capacity for all the kids.

"I just thank God for this community that is really helping out and trying to make sure that we have a home for these youth because, like, it's not about me, it's about these kids," said Sanders. "This is all about bringing families together... It hurts to see this place have to be closed down because of someone else's negligence."

Sanders is asking for the community's support to find a new building and fund-raise moving costs.