WHAT:  On Tuesday, September 12^th, at 9:30 a.m. at Ellis Square in downtown Savannah, the Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH) and the City of Savannah will hold a media event announcing their partnership for the Give Change that Counts (GCTC) Street Sign Initiative. The City of Savannah will be installing signage throughout the downtown area encouraging pedestrians to consider donating their change to the initiative’s supported Day Centers that provide integral resources for individuals in need, therefore reducing the need for panhandling.

Over 100 signs will be installed in high pedestrian areas that educate both locals and visitors on where their donations would better serve solicitors they might encounter. 

The Give Change that Counts Initiative launched in 2021 in collaboration with Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless and several community partners, aimed at educating the general public on panhandling, and has evolved into advocating and supporting local Day Centers. Since the inception of GCTC, the initiative has partnered with four new day centers: Salvation Army Day Center, Union Mission Day Center, Come As You Are Deliverance International Ministries Inc. Day Center, and Family Promises' Day Center.

Jennifer Dulong, Executive Director of Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless stated that “Supporting Day Centers that provide professional help and services for individuals is a part of the solution to providing sustainable long-term help for our friends and neighbors in need. For those that donate, the money is given directly to local Day Centers showcasing the strength and change we can all create when working together.”

“The City is proud to continue our partnership with the Homeless Authority and help support the Give Change That Counts campaign,” Mayor Van Johnson said. “This initiative allows us to effectively serve those in our community who really need help. We encourage more private partners and residents to step up with donations to this great cause as we move forward.” 

“We are excited about the real opportunities that the Give Change That Counts campaign can bring for people experiencing homelessness in our community,” City Manager Jay Melder said. “Supporting resources like day centers and supportive services are proven practices that can help friends and neighbors exit homelessness and reach their full potential.”

Dulong added “By joining efforts with the City of Savannah and combining our systems of services such as our street outreach teams, established Day Centers, and permanent supportive housing and affordable housing developments, we are investing in a community that is moving Chatham-Savannah toward “functional zero.”

The Give Change That Counts campaign is an initiative led by the Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless with collaboration and financial support from Chatham County, the City of Savannah, and significant economic development groups including the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce/Visit Savannah, Savannah Downtown Business Association, Savannah Downtown Neighborhood Association, Savannah Economic Development Authority, Savannah’s Waterfront, and the Tourism Leadership Council.

DATE AND TIME:   Tuesday, September 12^th, at 9:30 a.m. 

WHERE: Ellis Square, Downtown Savannah, GA 31401 

WHO: Spokespeople available for interviews include:  

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• Jennifer Dulong,
• Executive Director, Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless
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• Mayor Van Johnson,
• City of Savannah 
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• Jay Melder,
• City Manager, City of Savannah