NEWS

The Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) released its 5-year strategic plan last week in front of a packed ballroom of more than 100 interested stakeholders. The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce participated in drafting the plan, ensuring the business community had a seat at the table to represent the interests of small business owners and workers.

“Having a gameplan is great, but now the real work of implementation begins,” Chamber President & CEO Bert Brantley said as he participated on a panel with Savannah City Manager Jay Melder and Chatham County Manager Michael Kaigler. “Our members experience the impacts of homelessness every day, and we are thrilled the city and county are coming together to address these issues.”

In interviews after the event, Brantley put a particular focus on caring for those experiencing temporary homelessness while addressing the genuine issues of vagrancy in Savannah’s squares.
“Our businesses, workers, and downtown residents expect our public safety system to identify those committing crimes and deliver consequences for those illegal activities,” Brantley added.

Chamber Board members in attendance were also encouraged to hear City Manager Jay Melder’s comments on encampments. Melder reiterated a belief held by many in Savannah’s business community that encampments create both public safety and public health problems and do not lead to a dignified life for those participating.

Future issues of the Chamber’s newsletter will cover specific provisions of the strategic plan. The plan is available online HERE.

Sincerely,

Bret Brantley
President & CEO