Cumberland County approves MOU negotiation to restore Salvation Army shelter, directs inspections and city outreach

Cumberland County commissioners voted 4-2 on May 19 to direct the county manager to negotiate a memorandum of understanding with the Salvation Army to restore emergency shelter services after the charity closed its facility on April 15, officials said.

Assistant County Manager Heather Steens told commissioners the Salvation Army’s abrupt closure removed about 60 to 65 beds from the county’s shelter capacity and that the organization estimated it would cost about $1,000,000 to reopen. Steens said the Salvation Army’s written requests to the county described monthly operating costs of $46,888.39 for 50 residents and a daily per-person cost of $31.25 for additional residents. "Cumberland County was notified on 04/15/2025 that the Salvation Army was closing their shelter effective immediately. This was a loss of approximately 60 to 65 beds," Steens said.

The county discussed short-term alternatives—including a partnership with a local "white flag" shelter for up to 50 men at about $100 per person per day and hotel blocks for families and single women—while staff pursue a more durable option. Steens…