The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on June 5, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from community members advocating for increased funding for essential services, particularly those provided by Communicare, a local mental health and support organization.

Several speakers highlighted the critical role Communicare plays in addressing mental health issues, homelessness, and juvenile crime prevention in Cumberland County. Roberto Thomas, a former homeless individual, shared his personal success story, emphasizing the importance of continued support for programs that assist vulnerable populations. He urged the commissioners to recognize the positive impact of these services rather than focusing solely on budget constraints.

Dacianna Gordon and other speakers echoed similar sentiments, recounting how Communicare's programs have transformed their lives and those of their families. They expressed concern over a proposed 250% increase in rent for Communicare, which they believe could jeopardize the availability of vital services. Many speakers argued that cutting funding would lead to increased homelessness and mental health crises in the community.

Estelle Rodriguez, representing a nonpartisan voting rights organization, supported a proposed 9% funding increase for the local board of elections, citing the need for adequate resources to ensure fair elections. She also suggested transforming a downtown event space into a public park to enhance community engagement.

The hearing concluded with no immediate decisions made, but the testimonies underscored the community's urgent call for the board to reconsider budget cuts and support for mental health services. The commissioners will continue their budget discussions in a work session following the public hearing, with the future of Communicare's funding hanging in the balance.