New data shows major drop in unsheltered homelessness across Chatham County

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The latest homelessness data for Chatham County shows continued progress in reducing homelessness across the Savannah area, according to newly released numbers from the Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless.

The Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless, on behalf of the Chatham Savannah County Interagency Council on Homelessness, released its 2026 Point-in-Time Count this week. The annual federally required count identified 582 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2026.

Of those individuals, 478 were staying in shelters or transitional housing programs, while 104 were identified as unsheltered.

Community leaders say the latest report reflects major progress made since 2023 through coordinated outreach, housing efforts, and partnerships across the region.

According to the report, Chatham County has experienced:

• A 62% reduction in unsheltered homelessness
• A 59% reduction in chronic homelessness
• An 83% reduction in encampments
• A 95% housing retention rate
• Only 3% of individuals returning to homelessness after stabilization

Leaders credited the progress to collaboration between local governments, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, outreach teams, and the implementation of the Savannah-Chatham County Five-Year Strategic Plan to End Homelessness.

The report also found that 76% of people who experienced homelessness over the last two years entered the system for the first time. Officials say that finding highlights the growing need for homelessness prevention efforts, affordable housing options, and early intervention resources.

While community leaders celebrated the reductions, they said chronic homelessness remains a major challenge in the region. They emphasized the need for additional supportive housing, behavioral health resources, and long-term intervention strategies moving forward.