Savannah
has had a rich history of developing innovative approaches
to address community needs. As a result of an increase in
the number of homeless people, the community conceived of
the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless in order to
mount a systematic response.
The
Georgia Legislature created the Chatham-Savannah Authority
for the Homeless in 1989 to accomplish the following:
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Develop a comprehensive plan for public and private
agencies to deal effectively with problems of homeless
people in Savannah and Chatham County,
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Coordinate, evaluate, and provide administrative
services and assistance in implementing the plan,
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Contract with public and private agencies to approve
programs and services developed in the plan.
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To
offer services, including case management, employment
training and referral, and other related services, to
homeless persons so long as such services do not
duplicate services offered and actually supplied by
other existing programs and agencies.
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To
provide uniform basic standards & practices for
organizations offering services to homeless people
through means of a certification process to ensure the
integrity and continuity of program delivery.
This
unique body was charged with the responsibility of
addressing the many issues surrounding the problems of
homelessness. The Authority was comprised of representatives
from the City of Savannah, Chatham County, the Georgia
Department of Labor, the local Board of Education, the
Georgia Department of Community Affairs (Housing Trust
Fund), the Georgia Department of Human Resources, the
Housing Authority of Savannah, and eight (8) additional
appointees elected by the Authority members which include
the homeless.
This
Community-based organization fulfills its role through
collaborative arrangements and innovative partnerships with
providers of services, and advocates, local governments,
religious bodies, civic clubs, law enforcement officials,
social agencies, volunteer organizations, and other groups
with similar goals and objectives. The City planning staff
works closely with Authority members and staff to ensure the
participation of residents and local merchants in dealing
with a broad range of concerns affecting homeless people.
Presently
funded by the City of Savannah, the Department of Community
Affairs, and other local, state, and federal sources, the
organization has instituted a planning process that
emphasizes the development of a comprehensive and integrated
system of social services based on case management to assist
homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless.
As an
umbrella agency responsible for the coordination of services
for homeless people in the community, the Authority has
established working relationships with each of the social
service agencies involved in homeless issues.
When
problems surface surrounding homelessness, they are brought
to the attention of the Authority by service providers,
advocates for homeless people, local government, and
homeless people themselves. To resolve the problems or
attend to the issue at hand, the Authority marshals
resources to respond to needy parties and encourages joint
decision-making.
This
all-inclusive approach has enabled the Authority to address
concerns voiced by many different agencies in the community
in a collective manner. As a direct result, the Homeless
Continuum of care is viewed by the public as a cohesive unit
with individual agencies combining knowledge, skill, and
resources for a common purpose.
Shelters
and service providers advocate together and pursue joint
ventures when gaps in service delivery are identified.
Educational forums are held to increase the ability of
elected officials to retain funding for Homeless programs
and secure monies for new initiatives.
Over the
last 10 years the Chatham-Savannah Continuum of Care has
developed a wide array of services from an increase in
emergency shelter beds, to the development of transitional
and permanent housing programs. In addition, many needed
supportive services were identified, developed, and
successfully implemented. As a result, Savannah has
demonstrated a 37% reduction in homelessness over a 10- year
period.
Continuum of Care
