Savannah spent $28M fighting homelessness over five years, officials say work remains

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The city of Savannah said it has spent more than $28 million fighting homelessness over the past five years, but elected officials said there is still a lot of work to do.

City council spent some time Thursday looking back at how the city has tried to address this over the last five years.

While grateful for the progress, council members expressed frustration with what they felt were “missing elements,” saying residents across Savannah are telling a very different story.

The city’s five-year report shows there are over 100 new housing units, more than 10,000 people reached through city-funded programs and active encampments are down 83%.

Encampments spread across districts

Officials acknowledged the homeless population did not disappear as large downtown camps were cleared.

SEE: Homeless encampments down across Savannah, new report shows

“After the closing of that camp, homelessness spread throughout the five districts in the city of Savannah. We are seeing this vast amount of camps and tents and homeless citizens living in those spaces today,” said City of Savannah Mayor Pro Tem, Dr. Estella Shabazz.

Alderwoman Bernetta Lanier went further, calling it “poverty dumping.”

She said her district is seeing an increase in homelessness, not a decrease.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Shelters opening extra bed space as homeless camp closes

Council members also flagged critical gaps still facing the city, like a shortage of behavioral health resources, too few family shelter beds and an urgent need for services on Savannah’s south and west sides.

The city manager acknowledged these concerns and said his team is working to expand outreach citywide, and the next step is happening Friday. Union Mission’s new resource day center opens Friday morning on Fahm Street.