NEWS
Last week, the White House issued an Executive Order titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.” Review the Executive Order Here.
The order aims to end “endemic vagrancy” by redirecting federal funds toward institutional treatment, expanding civil commitment authority, and conditioning grants on enforcing anti-camping and anti-vagrancy laws. It prioritizes jurisdictions that already ban urban camping and public drug use.
Why Savannah Should Pay Attention
Everyone agrees that cities should be safe, and it is inhumane to allow people to live in unsafe encampments without access to shelter, services, or basic dignity. Savannah and Chatham County already prohibit urban camping, with city and county ordinances in place, as part of our advocacy efforts at the Chamber. Federal officials may view our local governments as aligned with the order’s funding prerequisites, potentially giving Savannah an advantage when applying for future federal grants tied to enforcement.
The Role of Housing-First Policies
The order also signals a major federal policy shift in deprioritizing what has become known as “housing first” policies. Like other buzzwords, “housing first” has become a political litmus test, with supporters advocating for stable housing before requiring treatment or compliance. At the same time, opponents say that it’s just a way to delay accountability measures. Regardless of your political leanings, we must pay attention to what the federal government is tying to funding programs. We all want reduced hospitalization, incarceration, and public spending, as well as increased housing stability and recovery. We must collaborate locally to ensure we are qualified for the federal assistance that allows us to continue progressing.
Savannah’s NOFO Experience
In 2024, Savannah participated in a two-year Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), during which our ICH members received increased funding awards. Then, earlier this month, the federal government stated that a new NOFO would replace the prior process. Combined with the executive order, we must redouble our efforts to ensure the stability and direction of funding for key community services. The Interagency Council on Homelessness believes there could be opportunities to enhance our response system for those suffering from mental illness and substance abuse disorders, gaps that were apparent in the 5-year strategic plan. Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition (CGIC) data confirms a growing demand for both mental health and substance use treatment, with our local resources almost fully utilized.
What This Means for Our Community
Our community has already addressed street homelessness by enacting ordinances against urban camping. As I’ve said before, and it’s even more true now, if we are going to complain about the things our local leaders do that we disagree with, we need to acknowledge the actions that align with our interests. There is little doubt that this new executive order will dramatically shift how local governments respond to individuals facing housing instability, addiction, and mental illness.
This week’s announcement that Parker’s is donating $1 million to Union Mission’s new resource center and continuing with their “round up” campaign that will result in more funding for the center is a clear demonstration of how Savannah’s business community continues to step up and be part of identifying solutions. Providing enough treatment and housing resources will take a whole-of-community effort, including business, non-profit, and all levels of government.
We will monitor federal policy developments and inform you as new funding opportunities or guidance emerge. For more information, contact Jennifer Davenport at JD********@*************er.com