May 18th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

A retired city police officer told the Cumberland Mayor and City Council last night that the vagrancy problem is growing. Dick Biser, during Tuesday’s city council meeting, said he observes that problem first hand during his morning walks through town…

Biser said he wasn’t simply there to complain, but rather to suggest a possible solution in the way of the “Housing First” program. Housing First is an approach that offers permanent, affordable housing as quickly as possible for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and then provides the supportive services and connections to the community-based supports people need to keep their housing and avoid returning to homelessness. Mayor Ray Morriss said the city would explore the idea to see if it might work for Cumberland.