About Homelessness
Educating yourself about homelessness can help you understand the key issues that can cause homelessness and how you can help reduce it. In Georgia, a person is considered homeless if they do not have access to traditional or permanent housing that is safe, sanitary, decent, and affordable. Individuals and families who are living on the streets or in homeless camps, shelters, motels, or their vehicles are all considered homeless.
Homelessness in Savannah-Chatham County – by the Numbers
712
Experiencing Homelessness
The number of persons experiencing homelessness identified in Chatham County during the 2023 point-in-time count.
4058
Using Resources
The number of homeless individuals (unduplicated) served by the Continuum of Care partners in 2022.
129
Homeless Veterans
The number of homeless veterans living in Chatham County.
271
Persons in unregulated areas
The persons living in places not meant for human habitation within Chatham County.
Ways We Are Helping – by the Numbers
112
Medically Fragile Emergency Shelter
People provided with Emergency shelter for medically fragile homeless (hotel/motel stays)
1255
Using Transportation Resources
Homeless Transportation services provided
224
Bus Tickets Purchased
Bus tickets provided for Homeless to go to stable housing with family and/or friends
281
Mobile Medical Services
Number of individuals who received mobile medical services coordination through our service
Reaching “Functional Zero” In Chatham County
CSAH is working to achieve “functional zero” as a community in regard to homelessness. Functional Zero is the milestone where communities have proven that they have measurably and equitably ended homelessness for a population. Our collective impact and ICH strategic plan to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness have created renewed hope and synergy in addressing the challenges of homelessness throughout Chatham Savannah. Working in collaboration with critical community partners, CSAH is advancing its mission leading the development of sustainable community practices to reduce homelessness.
Causes of Homelessness
There are many reasons a person or family may experience homelessness, including low-wage jobs, high housing costs, job loss, domestic violence, physical or mental disabilities, substance abuse, death of a family member, family break-up, or catastrophic illness.