Cumberland County ends negotiations with The Salvation Army

By Staff Report, posted Jun 20, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

Cumberland County has been in discussions with The Salvation Army regarding the potential reopening of its Fayetteville shelter. However, it was announced on Friday, June 20 that due to multiple ongoing issues and unresolved concerns, the County made the decision to end negotiations and cease further discussions with The Salvation Army.

The County provided updates on The Salvation Army Shelter contract negotiations including:

Key dates in the process include:

May 19: The Board of Commissioners voted 4–2 to direct the County Manager to negotiate an MOU with The Salvation Army, not to exceed $563,000 annually. The Board also requested an Environmental Health inspection and continued financial review, as well as the exploration of cost-sharing with the City of Fayetteville.
June 6: The County received the first draft of a contract from The Salvation Army.
June 12: An Environmental Health inspection, conducted by the Cumberland County Department of Public Health, found mold in bathrooms and a separate area of concern.
June 13: County legal staff completed their review and returned the contract listing several concerns.
June 17: A revised draft contract was submitted by The Salvation Army.
June 20: County decides to end negotiations and cease further discussions with The Salvation Army.

There is no Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or executed contract in place. While The Salvation Army requested advance payments, Cumberland County’s standard and responsible approach is to reimburse for eligible, documented expenses, a practice designed to ensure public accountability.

The County is also aware of approximately $100,000 in unpaid invoices involving a staffing agency formerly contracted by The Salvation Army. The County is not a party to those private agreements.

The County continues to coordinate with the City of Fayetteville, which is considering contributions toward shelter operations, pending Council approval.

Following the closure of the Regency Inn, Cumberland County provided temporary housing and case management for 20 families (a total of 68 individuals) at the Knights Inn. The County funded hotel stays to ensure immediate shelter during the transition.

During this time, County staff coordinated with community partners to provide meals and essential services to the families at no additional cost to the County.

Despite ending negotiations, the County shared that they remain committed to building long-term sustainable shelter options for residents facing housing instability.

“We recognize that homelessness is a complex issue that requires collaboration, accountability, and compassion,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere in a press release. “The County has a significant need for emergency temporary shelters for women and women with children. Our focus remains on ensuring public resources are used responsibly to provide safe, supportive, and effective shelter services. We will continue working with community partners who share our commitment to meaningful, transparent solutions. Agencies interested in partnering with the County to provide these services can contact Assistant County Manager Heather Skeens.”

Skeens can be contacted by email at hskeens@cumberlandcountync.gov or by phone at 910-678-7725. Cumberland County will continue to provide updates as shelter planning and alternative service strategies progress.

Cumberland County remains committed to supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness by working closely with community partners and service providers to deliver shelter and wraparound services.

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