Housing Authority of Savannah

 

 

Our History >>

The Housing Authority of Savannah was organized on January 10, 1938 as a public housing authority in accordance with the Georgia State Housing Authority’s Law of 1937, as established by the U.S. Housing Act of 1937. It began with a resolution adopted by the Savannah City Council on December 22, 1937. The resolution stated the need for a body to address the shortage of safe and sanitary housing in the city.

Mayor Robert M. Hitch appointed Herbert L. Kayton as Chairman and Fred Wessels, D.T. Simpson, W. Hugh Stephens and Joseph F. Griffin as Commissioners. Mr. Kayton shortly after resigned the Chairmanship, but continued to serve on the Board while Fred Wessels became Chairman.

The Board executed the first cooperation agreement with the City of Savannah on November 28, 1938. This agreement assures residents of the Housing Authority that they will receive police and fire protection, refuse collection and all services available to citizens of Savannah.

The first employee of the Authority was W. Horace Stillwell who served as Executive Director from November 30, 1938 until June 1, 1959.

---

HAS Mission >>

To effectively and efficiently address the housing needs of Savannah’s low income population while focusing on the educational, job training and economic self-sufficiency needs of the residents of public housing neighborhoods and the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

---