The Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH) announced today that it has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar, a service of Candid. To reach the Platinum level, CSAH shared metrics that highlight progress the organization is making toward its mission, including in-depth financial records; qualitative information about goals, strategies, and capabilities; and quantitative statistics on results and progress toward its mission. By taking the time to provide this information, CSAH has demonstrated its commitment to transparency and to giving donors and funders meaningful data to evaluate nonprofit performance.

GuideStar is one of the first and most robust resources to research charitable organizations. Each year, millions of people use this information to explore nonprofits and issues they may want to support, and then make informed assessments about where to give. Now local community members, as well as more than 13 million GuideStar users, can find in-depth information about CSAH’s goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress. With new designation, visitors to over 200 charitable websites and applications will also be able to see CSAH’s GuideStar profile.

“CSAH is a nonprofit organization, fully funded by charitable donations and grants, so we are very grateful to hold this new distinction, as it helps build trust within the philanthropic community. As fundraising is now proceeding for Phase 2 of the Tiny House Project, this designation will allow prospective donors to make qualified decisions about their support. Less than one percent of nonprofits complete the requirements for a Platinum Seal of Transparency, so this is a significant achievement for us and reflects our commitment to maximizing our donors’ impact,” said Cindy Kelley, Executive Director.

Chatham County has the second highest rate of homelessness in Georgia. Of the over 675 chronically homeless individuals in this area, over 200 of them are U.S. veterans. The Tiny House Project is the state of Georgia’s first effort dedicated to reducing veteran homelessness by providing a community of permanent, affordable tiny homes and is CSAH’s most visible community endeavor.

CSAH is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead the effort to build and sustain community practices to eliminate homelessness. CSAH works in partnership with other nonprofit service providers, government officials, business leaders, and the faith community. Annually in Chatham County, CSAH and the Savannah Chatham County Continuum of Care partners assist over 4,000 individuals, youth, and families.

CSAH’s nonprofit profile on GuideStar may be found at bit.ly/CSAHguidestar. To donate or for more information, go to tinyhousesavannah.org or call 912-644-7945.