Savannah-Area Officials Consider “Hope City” to Address Homelessness

Savannah's District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones is proposing a countywide homelessness stabilization center called Hope City.

The proposed facility would include living and sleeping spaces, medical treatment rooms, a kitchen, barber services, and other resources intended to help people move from the streets toward greater stability.

Not Another Homeless Shelter

Jones describes Hope City as a stabilization center rather than a traditional homeless shelter.

The idea is to bring several services under one roof instead of expecting someone experiencing homelessness to travel throughout Savannah and Chatham County for housing assistance, healthcare and other support. Supporters also believe the center could reduce repeated interactions with emergency rooms and the criminal justice system.

The Location Is Already Drawing Opposition

Hope City has not been approved.

Some Savannah officials have raised concerns about the proposed location and whether another major social-service facility should be concentrated in that area. The project also has several hurdles before it can move forward. There is no approved facility yet; the funding and property decisions still need to be made.

For now, Hope City remains a proposal.

Sources: WTOC