The National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness proudly sponsor and have designated November 2023 as National Hunger and Homelessness Month. Additionally, they have recognized November 13th to 21st, 2023, as National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. The primary goal of these initiatives is to enlighten the public about the myriad factors contributing to hunger and homelessness, including the shortage of affordable housing in Chatham County for residents with low incomes. Moreover, these efforts seek to foster support for homeless assistance service providers and promote community service opportunities for students, school service organizations and volunteers.

The objectives of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week align seamlessly with the missions of local organizations dedicated to sheltering, providing supportive services, meals, necessities, and supplies to individuals experiencing homelessness. These organizations include Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless, Salvation Army, Union Mission, Family Promise, Old Savannah City Mission, Emmaus House, Park Place Outreach, Gateway, Recovery Place, Savannah Police Department, Chatham County Police Department, Chatham Emergency Services, JC Lewis Health, Curtis V. Cooper, Second Harvest, Economic Opportunity Authority Savannah Public Housing Authority, Chatham Savannah Interagency Council on Homelessness, Live Oak Public Libraries, the Dive, Come as You Are Deliverance Ministries, Living Vine, Inner City Night Shelter, Renegade Paws, Veterans Affairs, Changing Homelessness.

The Council of the City of Savannah acknowledges that hunger and homelessness remain critical issues for many individuals and families in Chatham County and the City of Savannah. This includes those unsheltered residents, individuals who find themselves sleeping outside or in unsuitable living conditions, who may be at risk for poor health. The lack of stable housing significantly contributes to adverse physical and mental health outcomes, reinforcing the urgency of prioritizing pathways towards permanent housing for those experiencing homelessness.

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