Housing Authority of Savannah and Yamacraw Resident Council Reach Agreement on Yamacraw Village Redevelopment

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Housing Authority of Savannah (HAS) and the Yamacraw Resident Council (YRC) have reached an agreement on the planned redevelopment of Yamacraw Village. The agreement follows months of discussions between the two organizations and addresses several important matters, including the required relocation of residents, affordable replacement housing, and the opportunity for eligible households to return following redevelopment.

Under the agreement, HAS will provide at least 100 income-based, HUD-subsidized affordable housing units at the redeveloped site. Eligible residents will retain their right to return, subject to applicable HUD and HAS eligibility requirements.

All current Yamacraw Village households will be required to relocate as part of the redevelopment process. HAS will provide relocation assistance, including coverage of moving expenses, security and utility deposits, and transportation. Each household will be assigned a dedicated relocation specialist to assist with identifying housing options, coordinating available resources, and navigating the relocation process.

“Yamacraw Village is more than a housing community; it is home to generations of Savannah families, and those families deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness throughout this process,” said Evette Hester, Executive Director of HAS.

The agreement also provides for continued communication between HAS and YRC throughout the redevelopment process, including updates every six months. The YRC will continue monitoring HAS’s progress in fulfilling the terms of the agreement and holding HAS accountable for its commitments as redevelopment moves forward.

“From the beginning, our focus has been on making sure that our families that call Yamacraw home get a chance to come back to a safe place to live,” said Shana M. Williams, Treasurer of the Yamacraw Resident Council.

HAS and the YRC recognize that redevelopment is a significant transition for the Yamacraw Village community. The agency will continue working with residents and community stakeholders to coordinate relocation support, and help eligible families navigate the process.

HAS and YRC will communicate important information to residents as redevelopment progresses. Residents may contact HAS Resident Services or their property management office for information about relocation assistance and available support services.