Property that includes the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families would be sold to St. Vincent de Paul Des Moines under a proposal being considered by Des Moines Area Community College’s board of directors, according to a news release from DMACC.

Under the proposed agreement, St. Vincent de Paul Des Moines would purchase the 1-acre parcel at 1171 Seventh St. in Des Moines for $1 million, payable over five years. The nonprofit would also take over stewardship of the center, where thousands of Iowans have accessed job training, job coaching and financial education.

Programming at the center would continue under St. Vincent de Paul Des Moines, with services adapting or expanding depending on future funding. The center’s mission to provide essential, community-focused resources would also continue and the center’s name would remain the same, according to the release.

In the past year, demand for services at the center has surged with more than 11,000 people seeking help and more than 1,700 people receiving in-depth career coaching, the release said.

“This surge greatly surpasses previous years’ volumes, highlighting escalating community need,” the release said.

Since the center opened in 2013, DMACC has been its primary partner and administrator.

“This conversation is about building on a strong foundation,” DMACC President Rob Denson said in the release. “We believe a partnership with St. Vincent de Paul Des Moines represents the best of both worlds — aligning the center with an organization whose mission and expertise match this work, while allowing DMACC to focus on education. By inviting the community to weigh in, we can ensure the Center’s future is guided by those who know and use it best.”

The nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul will be able to tap into new funding streams, grants and partnerships that will strengthen the center’s long-term sustainability and impact, the news release said.

“We’re honored at the potential to build on the incredible foundation laid by DMACC and its dedicated team,” Steve Havemann, St. Vincent de Paul Des Moines’ CEO, said in the release. “This can be the next step in growing the reach and resources of the Center, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of opportunity and empowerment in Central Iowa.”

Two public forums are planned to hear input from the community. The forums will be at 6 p.m. Sept. 24 and and 6 p.m. Oct. 8. Both forums will be held at the center at 1711 Seventh St.

DMACC’s board is expected to consider the proposed sale and transition of stewardship to St. Vincent de Paul at its Oct. 13 meeting.