Latest news with #HousingSavannah
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
‘Priced Out' of housing in Savannah, community partnership highlights residents' struggle
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – A local organization debuted an exhibit Friday to shed light on what they are calling a housing affordability crisis in Savannah. The exhibit, called 'Priced Out.' is a partnership between Housing Savannah and SCAD Serves, a community engagement program run by Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). The project highlighted the experiences of local people facing housing insecurity in Savannah. 'I applied for disability. We were evicted from our apartment because Shaun's salary didn't cover it,' Shaun and K-lee, who were featured in the exhibit, said. 'We heard about a job in Savannah, but when we got here that job kind of fell through. So, we've been living in a motel.' Those featured in the exhibit said they are not able to secure safe, comfortable housing in Savannah for a variety of reasons. For some, it's an unexpected illness that drops their household down to one income. 'Our food stamps were just cut off', Shaun and K-Lee said. 'Working at the Waffle House as a server, I only make three dollars an hour…So, now, I had to take on a couple extra shifts, cooking and serving now, to try and balance out our budget a little bit.' For others, generational struggles make it hard for them to afford stable housing. 'I went to college twice,' Ashley, who was also featured in Priced Out exhibit, said. 'I still can't get my foot in the door. I still can't get a leg up. Anytime, I go somewhere, I think Savannah might not be it, but this is my home. Why don't I have the right to live here?' However, according to Executive Director of Housing Savannah Laura Lane McKinnon, the struggle for affordable housing is not unique to just the participants in the exhibit. 'Far too often we think of that as an individual issue, something that perhaps we've done something wrong, we're struggling. But it really is a systemic issue,' she said. SCAD Serves and Housing Savannah put together a documentary to highlight the everyday realities of the participants' lives. In the exhibit, their testimonies were woven together like a quilt. 'The rent for low-and mid-income people is based on the average income for the entire town,' Paula, a participant featured in the documentary said. 'That doesn't make sense to me. It doesn't compute.' Only a snippet of the documentary was shown at Friday's exhibit, but the whole piece will be unveiled to the public soon. You can view the 'Priced Out' exhibit from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Saturday. K-lee and Shaun shared their GoFundMe with WSAV. If you would like to donate you can click or tap here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Housing Savannah receives Airbnb grant
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Housing Savannah is proud to announce a $20,000 grant from the Airbnb Community Fund, a program dedicated to strengthening communities around the world. This funding reinforces Airbnb's commitment to addressing housing affordability and supporting local organizations working to make a difference. A portion of this generous contribution will directly support the 2025 Housing Summit, scheduled for April 9th, 2025, and held in the Eckburg Auditorium on the Savannah Technical College campus, where Airbnb will be recognized as the Presenting Sponsor. This pivotal event will convene key stakeholders—community leaders, policymakers, andhousing advocates—for impactful discussions on critical issues such as increasing housing supply, expanding affordable housing, promoting sustainability, and advancing equitable development in Savannah. The remaining grant funds will support another of Housing Savannah's initiatives, which is focused on building the pipeline of small-scale and incremental developers, aimed at expanding affordable housing opportunities throughout the region. 'This generous contribution from the Airbnb Community Fund will significantly enhance our ability to engage the community and drive meaningful discussions on the future of housing in the greater-Savannah area,' said Laura Lane McKinnon, Housing Savannah's Executive Director. 'We are grateful for Airbnb's partnership as we continue working toward a community where everyone has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.' 'The Savannah Host Club is proud to nominate and support Housing Savannah, because of the vital role the organization plays in strengthening our community by improving access to safe, affordable housing,' said Marquii Jacobs, Savannah Host Club Leader. 'We hope to amplify their impact and create more opportunities for Airbnb hosts to give back to the community.' Launched in 2020, the Airbnb Community Fund is a $100 million initiative to directly support local communities and the people who live there. Each year, Airbnb donates to organizations that are supporting and strengthening communities around the world, including donations made in partnership with local hosts in many of these communities. Members of 85 local Host Clubs, which are led by volunteer hosts, nominated local, community-based non-profit organizations making a difference in their year's Community Fund grants were directed to organizations focused on three issue areas identified by the Airbnb Host Advisory Board as important to the global host community: economic empowerment, environmental sustainability, and ending abuse and exploitation. The 2025 Housing Summit will bring together expert speakers, dynamic panel discussions, and cutting-edge housing solutions to address the challenges facing Savannah and beyond. Airbnb's generous sponsorship amplifies the event's impact—fostering deeper community engagement, driving innovative solutions, and expanding the conversation on the future of housing. For more information about the 2025 Housing Summit, including program, speaker, and registration details, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Housing Savannah and Front Porch Improv present: 'Laugh Your Heart Out'
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Enjoy an exciting evening of laughter, community and support for affordable housing initiatives at the 'Laugh Your Heart Out' comedy night fundraiser. Brought to you by Housing Savannah, in collaboration with Front Porch Improv, the event will bring people together to raise awareness and funds to continue Housing Savannah's mission to foster safe, affordable, and thriving living spaces throughout the community. 'We believe that laughter brings people together, and this event is the perfect opportunity to engage our community while shining a spotlight on the important work being done to address housing needs in the greater-Savannah area,' said Laura Lane McKinnon, Executive Director of Housing Savannah. 'Every ticket purchased supports our ongoing efforts to create equitable housing opportunities and build stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods.' The evening will include: Live Comedy Performances: Enjoy top-notch comedians from Savannah's own Front Porch Improv, like Comedian's Eric Bailey and Jon Antoine. Community Networking: Connect with passionate housing advocates and community leaders. Fundraising for Impact: 100% of proceeds from the event will go directly to support the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund to provide affordable housing and educational programming. 'Laugh Your Heart Out' is Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Front Porch Improv on Victory Drive in Savannah. Tickets are available here. Seating is limited. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
