The center won’t turn away those who’ve been drinking, provided they behave, he said. A first-floor conference room will be used for situations requiring de-escalation and conflict management. “It will all be about teaching, coaching and facilitating,” he said.

“It’s inviting and loving to come in, but when you get here, I’ve got rules,” Fonder said. “This is a place to hang out, but this is more a place of action to get out of homelessness.”

Much of that action will happen on the second floor, where a large open space with tables and more than 20 computers is ringed by offices and space for nonprofits, agencies and service providers.

A large community room can be used for instruction on subjects like securing food stamps or getting a GED. Another room will be dedicated to medical services like flu shots. A segregated area for children and families on the first and second floors has a play area, books, toys, restrooms and connection to a screened outdoor space.

“I hope that it will lead to housing and a better life,” Mayor Paul Soglin said. “I hope that it does not become a facility that discourages people from finding permanent housing.”