What number do I call to report an adult who can't care for themselves?

Cumberland County Adult Protective Services: 910-677-2388 (24/7 intake) or 910-677-2389 alternate. You can stay anonymous. Do not email or leave voicemail for abuse or neglect reports — call directly.

What number do I call to report a child in an unsafe situation?

Cumberland County Child Protective Services: 910-677-2450 during business hours, 910-489-4583 after hours. For a child alone, call 911 first. Anonymous reports allowed.

How does someone get connected to housing or shelter in Fayetteville?

Through Coordinated Entry, run by the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Continuum of Care: 910-483-6869 or 844-401-HOPE (4673). In-person at the Day Resource Center, 128 S. King Street, Fayetteville.

Should I call 911 if someone is just sleeping in a doorway?

Usually no. Sitting on a bench, sleeping in a doorway, or asking for change is not an emergency and not a crime. If you've seen the same person repeatedly and they seem unable to care for themselves, report to Adult Protective Services at 910-677-2388 instead — that's the path that actually leads to help.

Can I make a report anonymously?

Yes. Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, and 911 all accept anonymous reports. You don't have to give your name.

Helping Someone Who's Unhoused — A Guide for Downtown Businesses

Downtown Fayetteville · Cumberland County, NC

Plain-language guide for downtown Fayetteville shop staff and owners on how to humanely respond to people experiencing homelessness. Verified Cumberland County phone numbers, a 6-step decision tree, and a downloadable wallet card.

Active emergency

Call 911. Say one of: "medical emergency," "mental health crisis — please send Mobile Crisis," "possible overdose," or "child is alone."

Adult Protective Services (Cumberland County DSS)

Report adults who appear unable to care for themselves, especially if you see them repeatedly. 24/7 intake. Anonymous reports accepted. Do not email or leave voicemail for abuse or neglect.

Phone: 910-677-2388 (24/7) · 910-677-2389 (alternate)
Address: 1225 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301
More information

Child Protective Services

For unaccompanied minors, or children sleeping in unsafe conditions with family. Anonymous reports allowed.

Business hours: 910-677-2450
After hours: 910-489-4583

Coordinated Entry — Fayetteville-Cumberland CoC

One number that connects someone to housing, shelter, and case management. Use this when the person is asking for help.

Phone: 910-483-6869 · 844-401-HOPE (4673)
Day Resource Center: 128 S. King Street, Fayetteville
More information

Mental health and substance use

Carolina Outreach — ACT teams, outpatient MH and SUD: 910-438-0939, 324 Person Street, Fayetteville
SouthLight Healthcare — Outpatient MH, SUD, MAT, veteran services: 910-830-0990, 439 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville
Cape Fear Valley Behavioral Health — Inpatient psychiatric / IVC receiving: 910-615-3600, 3425 Melrose Road
Alliance Health — Local Medicaid MCO, bridge housing

Food, shelter, day services

Operation Inasmuch — Daily breakfast, day services, 40-bed men's Living Hope program
True Vine Ministries Hope Center — Women's shelter, meals, referrals
Salvation Army of the Sandhills — Community-services coordinator; Alexander St shelter reopening 2026

Five principles

You are not a social worker. Reporting IS helping.
Most people experiencing homelessness are not dangerous.
Don't approach if you feel unsafe.
Anonymous reports are fine.
Repeat reports matter — they build the case that gets someone real help.

Important: these are reading notes, not official guidance

This page summarizes notes from reading the public human-services pages of Cumberland County DSS, the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Continuum of Care, Alliance Health, Cape Fear Valley Behavioral Health, Carolina Outreach, SouthLight Healthcare, Operation Inasmuch, True Vine Ministries, and the Salvation Army of the Sandhills — plus a 2026 conversation with a Cumberland County social-services professional.

Official guidance should always be taken directly from the source agencies and municipal documentation. Procedures, phone numbers, eligibility, and program availability can change without notice. Before relying on any step here for a serious decision, confirm it with the relevant agency.

Authoritative starting points: