In recognition of National Homeless Awareness month in November, Oliver Maner, one of Savannah’s most prestigious law firms, will once again partner with other local law firms to raise funds and collect supplies for Parker’s House at Union Mission. This new program is Savannah and Coastal Georgia’s only facility solely dedicated to providing emergency housing and comprehensive supportive services for unaccompanied women experiencing homelessness. 

The donation drive will run throughout November, with a request to the legal community and the public at large to help collect goods for Parker’s House. 

“Last year, the program was a success and helped to stock Parker’s House in time for their opening,” said Oliver Maner partner Bill Hunter, who also serves on the Executive Committee for the Board of Directors at Union Mission. “Now that the new Emergency Housing Program is in operation, we are enthusiastic about continuing to help them and making a safe and comfortable place for women who find themselves homeless.” 

Donations of goods can be dropped off at the Oliver Maner office, 218 W. State St., during business hours. The firm will accept donations through Wednesday, Nov. 30. 

Oliver Maner also set up an Amazon registry to make it easier to donate. 

Items needed include:

·      Personal care items (toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant)

·      Bedding (pillows, sheets)

·      Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels)

·      Cleaning supplies (Swiffer products, Lysol cleaners, disinfectant wipes) 

·      Undergarments (socks, undershirts) 

·      Laundry supplies (detergent, dryer sheets)  

Parker’s House is located at 125 Fahm St., Savannah, in the former JC Lewis Healthcare building. The 10,590-square-foot renovated facility offers emergency housing, on-site Case Managers, Resident Assistants, and support services for up to 32 women for 90 days. 

Union Mission provides basic human needs for the residents, including food, clothing, transportation, access to mental healthcare, employment support and more. The goal of this program is to help residents maintain stable housing and become independent members of the community. 

Savannah-Chatham County has the second-highest rate of homelessness in Georgia. According to the Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless 2019 HUD PIT Survey, on any given night, more than 180 women in Chatham County are experiencing homelessness.