Salvation Army seeks county funding for shelter reopening in Fayetteville

Cumberland County officials are taking significant steps toward reopening a local shelter, contingent on securing essential funding. During the Board of Commissioners Special Meeting on May 19, 2025, Major Goldfarb of the Salvation Army outlined the urgent need for a 12-month funding commitment from the county to facilitate the shelter's reopening.

Goldfarb emphasized that the organization has exhausted its unrestricted reserves and is currently relying on limited endowment funds to cover operational costs. He noted that without a stable financial commitment, the shelter's future remains uncertain. "We need a long-term solution," he stated, highlighting that many shelters across the country are facing similar funding challenges.

The timeline for reopening the shelter hinges on the county's approval of funding. Goldfarb indicated that once an agreement is reached, it would take approximately two to three weeks to finalize the necessary memorandum of understanding. This would allow the Salvation Army to mobilize resources and staff to resume operations swiftly.

Commissioner Patel and other board members engaged in discussions about the funding request, with Patel reiterating the importance of a clear commitment from the county. The last time the county provided funding to the Salvation Army was in fiscal year 2023, amounting to just over $29,000. Recent requests for community funding have not been approved, raising concerns about the sustainability of shelter services.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency of the situation was clear. The commissioners are now tasked with considering the funding proposal to ensure that the shelter can reopen and continue serving the community's needs. The next steps will involve deliberations on the funding request, with the hope of reaching a decision that supports the shelter's long-term viability.