One of the South’s most iconic postcard destinations is grappling with rising worries about homelessness, encampments, and public safety, as critics caution that these problems are extending beyond Savannah’s picturesque streets into other charming Georgia cities. A Republican legislator says it’s time to put local governments’ feet to the fire. Houston Gaines, a member of the Georgia State Legislature and a congressional candidate, supports legislation to compel cities such as Savannah, Athens, and Atlanta to more rigorously enforce laws against illegal camping, loitering, and panhandling. “What we’ve accomplished with this bill is holding those local governments accountable and ensuring they enforce the laws they’re required to, whether on illegal camping, loitering, or panhandling,” Gaines stated.
One of America’s most beautiful cities struggles to regain its picturesque streets from homeless encampments and drug hotspots. Gaines, an Athens resident, said the problem extends beyond visible homelessness into a larger issue of public order and crime, impacting business owners, homeowners, students, and visitors. “One constituent went on vacation and returned to find a homeless person had been using her pool all week,” he noted. He also shared complaints from Georgia business and property owners: “Business owners arrive at their storefronts at 5:30 a.m. and find someone sleeping on their front porch,” or someone had defecated right in front of their business.
Bert Brantley, President and CEO of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, has noted that the impact is felt every day throughout the business community. “Our businesses, workers, and downtown residents expect our public safety system to identify those committing crimes and deliver consequences for those illegal activities,” Brantley stated in November 2024.
Savannah subsequently enacted an urban camping ordinance that bans camping, storing personal property in public spaces, and obstructing sidewalks or traffic. Since the law’s implementation, the city reports 179 citations and 15 arrests from enforcement. Officials report that 135 people have interacted with service providers, and about 30% of those contacted have entered shelters following outreach.
Gaines contends that local governments in other Georgia cities haven’t done enough, leaving residents and business owners to bear the costs. “Property owners and homeowners face major expenses and repercussions from installing security cameras or fencing, as do business owners like gas stations and storefronts,” he stated.
