October 5th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

Despite plenty of objections and emotions running high at times for around two hours-  the Cumberland Mayor and City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to approve more than $700,000 in funding to the Union Rescue Mission allowing it to relocate to North Centre Street. Although the proposal to move the shelter to the site of the High Point Furniture Outlet building became public just two weeks ago- a contract on the property is in hand, and a closing date of October 21^st is set. As was the case two weeks ago, there were a number of North Centre Street residents in attendance voicing concern with how the neighborhood would be impacted by having the shelter locate there. It was generally a theme of “not in my back yard”…

Pastor David Ziler is the director of the Union Rescue Mission. He says he understands the concerns of those residents- but contrary to popular belief the overwhelming majority of those utilizing the shelter are not criminals, derelicts and drunks. He said most of those staying at the mission are simply people looking for help getting back on their feet…

After the lengthy debate, Mayor Ray Morriss said the bottom line is that a new shelter is needed- and after 3 and a half years of searching- this was deemed the best site…