The Issue
• Evictions: In 2023, Chatham County was on track for 9,710 evictions, with 4,549 filed as of June 20. While nonpayment is a leading reason for evictions, other factors contribute as well.
• Housing Deficit: According to Housing Savannah, Chatham County faces a shortage of 10,000 housing units, with 73% needed for low- to moderate-wage households. Homebuilders are unable to construct single-family homes for less than $300,000, yet the area requires homes priced between $150,000 and $250,000 to match prevailing wages.
• Affected Groups: The housing deficit is especially severe for service industry workers, minimum-wage earners, teachers, nurses, and first responders.
• Severe Housing Problems: In 2023, 18.2% of Chatham County’s population experienced severe housing issues, a modest decline of 1.32% from 2014.
• Rising Rents: As of January 2022, the average rent in Savannah was $1,453 per month—$213 more than the prior year. Many residents are forced to pay exorbitant rates, such as $1,100 for a 300-square-foot studio apartment.
• Projected Growth: Coastal population growth over the next decade is expected to exacerbate the housing crisis further.
Consequences of Unaffordable Housing:
• Increased housing instability for low-income families.
• Adverse effects on school performance and student outcomes.
• Health risks, including chronic conditions and mental health challenges.
• Reduced work productivity and economic mobility.
Proposed Solution
Advocacy for Affordable Housing in SPLOST-8
• Call for the City of Savannah and Chatham County to prioritize affordable housing in the SPLOST-8 (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) referendum.
• Secure commitments from local governments to meet with our Affordable Housing Committee to develop an actionable implementation plan for affordable housing projects included in SPLOST-8.
Immediate Outcomes
• Both the City and County have committed to championing affordable housing initiatives in the SPLOST-8 referendum.
• Agreement to engage with JUST’s Affordable Housing Committee to collaboratively create an implementation plan for housing projects funded by SPLOST-8.
Monitoring Phase
JUST is actively meeting with city and county leadership to identify specific affordable housing projects to be included in SPLOST-8 project lists. Two critical meetings with local government representatives are scheduled in the coming weeks.
References
1. Housing Savannah: https://www.housingsavannah.org/
2. U.S. Census Bureau - Housing Data: https://www.census.gov/topics/housing.html
3. Georgia Milestones Reports: https://www.gadoe.org/
4. Chatham County Eviction Trends (2023): Local Government Reports (Specific links to be included as available).
5. SPLOST-8 Overview: https://www.savannahga.gov/SPLOST
This update underscores our commitment to addressing the affordable housing crisis through community collaboration and policy advocacy.
Affordable Housing Campaign Update
Housing Crisis Statistics (2021-2022):
In 2021, Chatham County faced a significant affordable housing deficit, with approximately 2,325 additional affordable rental units needed to meet demand.¹ This shortage was particularly acute among low- to moderate-income households, including service industry workers, teachers, nurses, and first responders. Contributing factors included rising construction costs, which made it challenging for builders to develop single-family homes priced below $300,000, despite the prevailing local wages necessitating homes in the $150,000 to $250,000 range.¹
Consequences of Unaffordable Housing:
• Unstable Housing: Families unable to afford housing often face frequent relocations or homelessness, disrupting their lives and communities.
• Educational Impact: Children in unstable housing situations may experience decreased academic performance due to frequent school changes and lack of a conducive learning environment.
• Health Effects: Inadequate housing can lead to chronic health conditions, mental health issues, and increased stress levels among residents.
• Economic Productivity: Housing instability can affect work attendance and productivity, as individuals struggle with housing-related stressors.
Proposed Solution:
To address this crisis, advocacy efforts were directed toward increasing funding for affordable housing initiatives. A significant outcome of these efforts was the City of Savannah’s substantial investment in the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF). Initially, the city contributed $150,000 annually to the SAHF starting in 2012, which increased to $500,000 in 2021.² In response to our advocacy, the City Council allocated a record $7 million in its FY2022 budget for the SAHF and an additional $2 million in FY2023, bringing the total investment to $9 million over two years.²
Impact of the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund:
The SAHF plays a crucial role in addressing housing affordability by:
• Leveraging Additional Investments: The city’s investment has attracted private contributions, including significant donations from organizations such as the Galvan Foundation and the Georgia Ports Authority, amplifying the fund’s impact.³
• Supporting Housing Development: The fund provides financial assistance for the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing units, increasing the availability of homes for low- to moderate-income families.
• Assisting Vulnerable Populations: By expanding affordable housing options, the SAHF helps reduce homelessness and housing instability among the city’s most vulnerable residents.
These strategic investments demonstrate a commitment to mitigating the affordable housing crisis in Chatham County, fostering a more stable and equitable community.
References
¹ Chatham Economic Development Authority. “Chatham County Approves Loan to Affordable Housing Developer.” ChathamEDC.org
² City of Savannah. “Savannah Affordable Housing Fund.” SavannahGA.gov
³ City of Savannah. “City Attracts $3 Million in Private Funds for Affordable Housing.” SavannahGA.gov
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