NEWS
The Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH) and Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) jointly released the results of the 2025 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, offering both a sobering look at current needs and evidence that our system is strengthening. While the overall number of individuals experiencing homelessness has increased, the number of people living unsheltered has gone down—a critical indicator that local interventions are having an impact. This data tells us that our coordinated entry system, emergency response, and transitional housing efforts are doing what they’re supposed to: connecting people to shelter faster and more effectively.
Another promising trend is the sharp decrease in the number of encampments across Chatham County. In 2023, more than 80 encampments were recorded. Today, that number has been cut in half, down to just 39 in 2025. This progress reflects the hard work of outreach teams, law enforcement partners, and nonprofit agencies, all working in alignment under the ICH’s newly adopted Five-Year Strategic Plan to End Homelessness. However, even with this progress, one group remains especially difficult to serve: those who are chronically homeless and resistant to receiving services.
According to the PIT Count, 11 percent of our homeless population falls into this category, meaning they experience extended periods of homelessness often linked to mental health challenges, addiction, or physical disability. These individuals typically require Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH)—a highly specialized intervention that combines housing with intensive services. Chatham County is currently at 100 percent utilization of available PSH units, with no new space to meet the growing need. Solving for this group will require more focus on their individual needs, while still maintaining the services that are working for the majority of the population.
The Chamber remains committed to working alongside City of Savannah, Chatham County, and other partners to ensure our community can respond compassionately but effectively — because addressing homelessness is not just a social issue, it also benefits our economic environment.