One of the South’s most iconic postcard locations is grappling with increasing concerns around homelessness, encampments, and safety. Critics highlight that the issues are spreading from Savannah’s Fairytale Street to other picturesque areas in Georgia.
State Rep. Houston Gaines, a Republican hoping to secure a congressional seat, is pushing for legislation that compels cities like Savannah, Athens, and Atlanta to enforce laws more rigorously against illegal camping, loitering, and panhandling.
“This bill is designed to hold local governments accountable for enforcing their own laws regarding things like illegal camping and loitering,” Gaines shared.
Gaines, who lives in Athens, emphasized that the situation extends beyond just visible homelessness; it’s about the overall safety and crime that affect local businesses, residents, students, and tourists.
He recounted a story of a constituent who, upon returning from vacation, found someone had been living in their pool for a week.
He also mentioned complaints he’s received from business owners. “A shop owner told me that at 5:30 AM, there was someone sleeping on their porch and another person defecating right in front of their store,” he explained.
Bart Brantley, head of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, stated that the business community feels the impact daily. “Our businesses and residents in downtown Savannah expect our public safety systems to identify criminals and deal with illegal activities,” he noted last November.
Savannah has enacted an urban camping ordinance that prohibits camping in public areas and blocking sidewalks. Since this law took effect, there have been 179 enforcement actions and 15 arrests reported. Additionally, about 135 individuals connected with service providers, with nearly 30% finding shelter afterward.
Gaines pointed out that many other cities in Georgia may not be doing enough, leaving property and business owners to bear the consequences.
“It’s costly for homeowners who have to invest in security systems or businesses that need full-time security guards,” he remarked.
With House Bill 295, Gaines aims to hold local governments financially accountable for the repercussions faced by property owners due to failure in enforcing laws related to illegal camping and similar issues.
Under the proposed bill, property owners could seek financial compensation for losses stemming from the local government’s negligence concerning public nuisances.
“Addressing these local governments in financial terms is a viable strategy,” Gaines argued. “This bill could truly push the issue forward.”
Opponents of the bill worry that heightened enforcement will merely displace homeless individuals and drug users into different neighborhoods, without tackling the root problems. Gaines, however, dismissed these claims, asserting that the legislation also aims to ensure local governments offer necessary services.
“We’re not here to criminalize homelessness; our goal is to assist those in need,” he said. “It’s about cleaning up the neighborhoods of homeowners and businesses while ensuring these individuals get the help they require.”
Gaines expressed concern over changing atmospheres in local areas, sharing that trips to downtown Athens could lead to uncomfortable confrontations with homeless individuals—something that didn’t exist years ago.
“Many of my constituents now feel uneasy about dining out in downtown Athens, and that’s really unfortunate,” he concluded.
