The Savannah-Chatham County Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH), of which the City of Savannah is a founding member, has created the Five-Year Strategic Plan to End Homelessness which aims to make homelessness in Savannah and Chatham County rare, brief, and non-recurring. This is defined as ensuring that every resident experiencing homelessness can be safely sheltered or permanently housed and quickly connected with any support services needed. The Strategic Plan process spanned twelve months and included interviews with 65 key community stakeholders, extensive best practice research, numerous workgroup sessions, and the input of over 125 individuals currently experiencing homelessness in our community. The completed plan provides six clear goals by which the progress of the plan can be measured.

The goals are as follows:

1. Establish an integrated system to prevent and end homelessness
2. Address the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness
3. Increase opportunities and access to affordable housing and low-barrier shelter
4. Develop and strengthen formal programs to prevent homelessness and ensure early intervention for at-risk residents
5. Expand workforce opportunities, transportation, and financial support
6. Support community-wide efforts to advance policies that prevent and end homelessness

This Resolution supports the adoption of the ICH’s Five-Year Strategic Plan to End Homelessness and the commitment of the City of Savannah to support the goals outlined and previously presented to City Council during Savannah City Workshop held on February 27, 2025.

Approval