Savannah Faces Challenges with Homelessness and Drug Trafficking

Savannah, Georgia, known for its scenic beauty with Spanish moss-draped oaks and waterfront views, is working to address growing issues of homelessness and public safety. Business leaders and city officials are actively tackling these concerns in an effort to maintain Savannah’s reputation as a top tourist destination.

A recent joint statement from the City of Savannah, the Savannah Chamber, and the Savannah Tourism Leadership Council acknowledged the visible impact of homelessness and related safety issues. While they disputed some media coverage as exaggerated, they confirmed these challenges are evident to residents, business owners, and visitors.

Bert Brantley, President of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the daily impact on the business community. He emphasized that businesses, workers, and residents expect effective law enforcement to manage these issues.

Homelessness tops the agenda for many chamber members. Bert Brantley and Mayor Van Johnson have discussed solutions, seeking support from state authorities. The city’s response has included more enforcement measures, such as the proposed urban camping ordinance. This ordinance, introduced in June 2025, aims to prevent camping, storing personal property, or obstructing traffic in public spaces.

Alderman Kurtis Purtee expressed that criminalizing homelessness is not the goal. Instead, the focus is on community effort and accountability. Mayor Johnson described the ordinance as a necessary tool for dealing with individuals involved in criminal activities.

Since the ordinance’s implementation, Savannah has issued 179 citations and made 15 arrests. Also, 135 individuals have received assistance from service providers, with around 30% of them moving to shelters.

Further compounding Savannah’s challenges are evolving drug threats, particularly concerning fentanyl. A report by News4Jax detailed Operation Fentanyl Free America, which addresses shifting drug trafficking patterns in southeast Georgia.

Drew Mayer, DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, identified crystal meth as the dominant drug in the area. He noted the rise in creative smuggling methods to evade law enforcement.

While mass overdoses linked to fentanyl have decreased, the emergence of “purple fentanyl” remains a concern in Savannah and surrounding areas. Authorities are mindful of trafficking routes through the Ports of Savannah and Brunswick, affecting the Southeastern U.S. corridor.

Savannah continues to address these challenges, balancing community needs with maintaining its historic and picturesque appeal to residents and tourists alike.