The White House recently issued an Executive Order titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.” The order redirects federal funds toward institutional treatment, expands civil commitment authority, and conditions certain grants on enforcing anti-camping and anti-vagrancy laws. Jurisdictions that already prohibit urban camping and public drug use are given priority for these grants.
Savannah and Chatham County currently have ordinances prohibiting urban camping. This alignment with the Executive Order’s requirements may benefit local governments when applying for future federal grants linked to enforcement measures.
The Executive Order also marks a shift in federal policy by moving away from “housing first” approaches. Supporters of housing-first policies advocate providing stable housing before requiring treatment or compliance, while opponents argue that it delays accountability. The new direction signals that funding programs may now require more direct enforcement or treatment initiatives rather than solely focusing on housing.
Savannah participated in a two-year Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process in 2024, during which Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) members received increased funding awards. Earlier this month, the federal government announced a new NOFO would replace the previous process. Local leaders believe this change, combined with the executive order, requires renewed efforts to secure stable funding for community services addressing mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Data from the Coastal Georgia Indicators Coalition shows growing demand for mental health and substance use treatment locally, with resources nearly at capacity.
Local business involvement continues to play a role in supporting solutions to homelessness and related challenges. Parker’s has donated $1 million to Union Mission’s new resource center and is continuing its “round up” campaign to provide additional funding for the center.
“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,” according to the Chamber. “Savannah and Chatham County already prohibit urban camping, with city and county ordinances in place, as part of our advocacy efforts at the Chamber.”
“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,” a Chamber representative stated.
“We will monitor federal policy developments and inform you as new funding opportunities or guidance emerge,” said Jennifer Davenport of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce.
