Savannah officials tackle rising homelessness and public drug use as historic Georgia city struggles with safety and housing challenges

Savannah, Georgia, long celebrated for its picturesque squares and Southern elegance, is facing stark challenges that contrast sharply with its postcard-perfect image.

Under Democratic leadership, the city has seen rising concerns over homelessness, public drug use, and safety, painting a complex picture for residents and visitors alike.

Travel columnist Dennis Lennox described a city where benches and bushes had become makeshift encampments, and the smell of marijuana hung in the air.

Public spaces like Reynolds Square, home to a bronze statue honoring the founder of Methodism, reportedly saw people injecting and smoking drugs in broad daylight with little police presence.

City Officials Respond with Policies and Strategic Plans

In response, Savannah enacted an ordinance banning urban camping and issued 179 citations and 15 arrests by late 2025.

The city also unveiled a five-year strategic plan aimed at addressing homelessness.

Jennifer DuLong, CEO of the Chatham Scranton Authority for the Homeless, emphasized the importance of mental health services, employment programs, and housing solutions.

Stephanie Kaple, Executive Director of the Savannah Chatham County Interagency Council on Homelessness, noted that this coordinated effort is designed to systematically reduce homelessness and provide sustainable support for residents.

Drug Trends and Persistent Risks

Despite policy efforts, new challenges have emerged.

In early 2025, some homeless individuals began mixing Xylazine, also known as tranq, with fentanyl, increasing the risk of overdoses.

Last year’s HUD-required survey reported 457 sheltered and 172 unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness in Savannah, showing a slight overall increase from 579 in 2024 to 628 in 2025.

Interestingly, the number of unsheltered individuals declined, suggesting that emergency housing programs and permanent supportive housing initiatives are having a measurable impact.

The total number of encampments dropped from 80 in 2023 to 39 in 2025, indicating progress, albeit gradual.

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Safety Measures and Crime Prevention

Mayor Van Johnson has emphasized safety and economic stability, calling Savannah a “championship program” in his State of the City address in 2025.

Measures included appointing Special U.S. Attorney Makeia Jonese to handle federal offenses, resulting in 23 convictions from 59 cases.

Additionally, the city council enacted policies targeting firearms in unlocked vehicles, a response to 245 guns stolen in 2024.

Since implementation, 41 citations have been issued, and stolen firearms have declined by nearly 40% in a single year.

The city also introduced a “Top 10 Most Wanted” list to prioritize enforcement.

Housing and Community Initiatives

Efforts to support residents include the Dundee Cottages project, which added 39 cottages and 16 new apartments for people experiencing homelessness.

Other initiatives provided 679 dwellings, 586 home repairs, 165 homebuyer assistance programs, and 234 infill housing units.

Acquisition of 72 blighted properties further strengthened Savannah’s housing infrastructure.

The Savannah Affordable Housing Fund also contributed to low-income housing tax credit applications, which will support the construction of 41 new affordable units.

These initiatives underscore a sustained effort to address both homelessness and affordable housing shortages in the city.

Impact and Consequences

The visible increase in homelessness and public drug use has affected Savannah’s reputation as a tourist destination.

While policy interventions have yielded measurable results, ongoing challenges—such as the rise in dangerous drug mixtures—pose public health risks and affect perceptions of safety.

The combined focus on housing, policing, and economic stability reflects an acknowledgment that addressing homelessness and crime requires multi-layered strategies rather than one-off actions.

What’s Next?

City officials will continue monitoring homelessness trends and enforcing public safety measures.

Expansion of supportive housing, continued engagement with federal prosecutors, and targeted law enforcement are expected to be key strategies moving forward.

Residents and tourists alike will watch closely to see whether these efforts can reclaim Savannah’s historic public spaces.

Summary

Savannah’s challenges illustrate a city balancing historic beauty with modern social and public safety issues.

Rising homelessness, drug use, and firearm-related crime have prompted coordinated citywide responses, including housing projects, enforcement measures, and federal partnerships.

Early signs suggest progress, but long-term success depends on sustained commitment from both local leadership and community stakeholders.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Savannah faces growing homelessness and public drug use despite its historic charm
• Ordinances banning urban camping and increased law enforcement have been implemented
• Homeless population rose slightly from 2024 to 2025, but unsheltered numbers declined
• Dangerous drug trends include mixing Xylazine with fentanyl
• Safety measures include targeting firearms in unlocked vehicles and a Top 10 Most Wanted list
• Housing initiatives include Dundee Cottages, home repairs, infill housing, and low-income housing tax credits
• City officials emphasize economic stability, public safety, and long-term strategic planning
• Success depends on sustained commitment to housing, policing, and social services