Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless Relocates Operations

News Summary

The Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless has announced a strategic relocation of its offices and services to enhance support for individuals facing homelessness in Chatham County. The new administrative offices will be at Goodwill Southeast Georgia, while triage services will be at Union Mission’s Grace House Day Center. This move aims to improve service delivery, increase program capacity, and is part of broader efforts, including new city policies addressing homeless encampments and a strategic plan to end homelessness in the area.

Savannah – The Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH) has announced a strategic relocation of its administrative offices, triage, and housing operations to better serve individuals experiencing homelessness in Chatham County. The new administrative offices will be situated at Goodwill Southeast Georgia, located at 7220 Sallie Mood Drive, while triage services will be co-located at Union Mission’s Grace House Day Center. Housing services will be provided at the newly established Dundee Cottage Community at 65 Dundee Street.

This relocation is expected to enhance service delivery and expand program capacity to address homelessness effectively. CSAH’s executive director emphasized that the transition represents a significant step forward in their mission to tackle homelessness with dignity and compassion.

In a related effort, the City of Savannah has recently developed new policies aimed at addressing the growing number of homeless encampments in the area. In 2024, CSAH identified a total of 51 encampments. The city, in collaboration with outside agencies, created a 5-Year Strategic Plan to End Homelessness, which lays the groundwork for improved responses to this critical issue.

Under the city’s new policies, staff members are now required to post notices before and after any encampment is removed. They must engage with individuals at each site at least twice to connect them with shelters and other resources, including rehabilitation and job training. This approach emphasizes treating individuals with respect and dignity while providing them essential services.

To further bolster these efforts, a Homeless Court Pop-Up Event was recently held at Union Mission’s Day Center. This initiative allowed individuals to resolve minor legal issues without the fear of arrest or incarceration. The event provided a safe environment for individuals to meet with court officials and address outstanding legal matters, such as warrants and minor offenses. The Homeless Court is specifically designed for those actively working with service providers to exit homelessness.

In addition to these initiatives, the pop-up event also provided critical services in the form of a mobile shower unit and a soup kitchen, catering to the immediate needs of the homeless community while building trust. Meanwhile, the Inner City Night Shelter received approval for a special-use permit, allowing for potential expansion of its facilities to address social service concerns raised by local residents. While it aims to increase the spaces available for social services, officials acknowledge that doubling the bed capacity may not be feasible.

Community concerns regarding an increase in vagrancy led to dialogue between the leadership of Inner City and local residents. In a broader context, Chatham County is undertaking a study for improvements to U.S. 17, focusing on safety and traffic enhancements, which may include potential roadway expansions and adjustments to intersections.

Recognizing the importance of affordable housing solutions, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners has approved the creation of a new housing development coordinator position to facilitate initiatives in this critical area. This new role aims to enhance the availability of affordable housing options across the county, contributing to long-term solutions for homelessness.

As these multi-faceted strategies unfold, authorities remain committed to building a cohesive framework to address housing and homelessness effectively. The relocation of CSAH operations and the new policies set forth by the City of Savannah are designed to create a more comprehensive approach to supporting the homeless population, ensuring that individuals in need receive the help and resources necessary to improve their circumstances.

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Additional Resources

• Savannah Business Journal: CSAH Strategic Relocation
• WTOC: Savannah Plans to Address Homelessness
• WJCL: Chatham County Homeless Court Pop-Up
• Wikipedia: Homelessness in the United States
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness