County leaders say they will seek short-term shelter solutions after Salvation Army closure reduces beds

Cumberland County leaders said they are moving to address an immediate shortage of emergency shelter capacity after the Salvation Army unexpectedly closed a local shelter that county officials said removed more than 50 beds from the community.

Chairman Kirk DeViere, speaking at a county press briefing, said the county had limited notice of the closure and that staff are evaluating short-term options to bridge capacity while longer-term projects, such as an unhoused support center, remain under development. "We have to be creative in finding solutions ... We have to leverage our nonprofits. We have to leverage existing relationships," the chairman said.

DeViere said the county is coordinating with the Continuum of Care and local partners and that staff could present short-term proposals to the board; he said he would call a special meeting if needed to act quickly. "This community has that emergency need both for men, for women ... as well as for families," he said, noting summer heat and urgency.

The chairman declined to provide contract details with the Salvation Army, stating the county did not have an active contract with the organization. He said the county's staff serves on the Continuum of Care and is working with nonprofit partners on immediate bridge solutions, potentially including nontraditional or temporary shelter options, while longer-term facilities are planned.

The county's statements emphasized short-term action and collaboration with the city and nonprofit partners; officials said additional details and a plan were expected in coming weeks.