🌱 Eviction Rate Still High + Chatham County Family Resource Fair

Hi, Savannah! Like many of you, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Fourth of July. I’ll be back in your inbox after the holiday, but until then, here’s what’s happening in town today.

But first, your local weather:

• Tuesday: An afternoon t-storm; humid. High: 95 Low: 76.
• Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 92 Low: 75.

Here are the top three stories today in Savannah:

1. Evictions in Savannah have continued at an increased pace this year since the federal moratorium on evictions due to COVID-19 was lifted. Chatham County is on track to see nearly 10,000 eviction notices in 2023, which would be an increase from last year's 8,935 notices. The increase in evictions follows an increase in rent prices in the city. In June 2023, the average Savannah rent for a 900-square-foot unit was $1,604 per month. Rent prices in the city have risen 50 percent since 2019 while local wages have grown about 31 percent in the same timeframe. (Savannah Morning News)
2. The Chatham County Health Department is hosting a Family Resource Fair on Saturday, Jul. 8 at the health department parking lot. This event will run from 10:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and will include raffle prizes, a bounce house, face painting, food trucks, and more. Public Health Educator Katee MacCauley said the event is about connecting people with local resources. (Savannah Business Journal)
3. The City of Savannah announced that they have been awarded a grant to begin the rehabilitation work of Springfield Terrace School in the Carver Village neighborhood. The $50,000 grant was awarded by the National Park Service and the Historic Preservation Fund's African American Civil Rights program. The City recognizes Springfield Terrace School as an important community asset and says it will prioritize the building's preservation as it seeks to develop the site into a space for community use. (City of Savannah Government via Facebook)

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Today and tomorrow in Savannah:

Tuesday, July 4

• TGLive Summer Concert Series At Rousakis Plaza (12:00 PM)
• Patriotic Big Band Salute At The Park At Eastern Wharf (7:00 PM)

Wednesday, July 5

• Car Seat Check Event At Memorial Health Dwaine & Willett Children's Hospital Of Savannah Outpatient Center Building (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Savannah Police Department is reminding citizens that celebratory gunfire is illegal. The department is asking residents to be courteous when shooting off fireworks. (Savannah Police Department via Facebook)
• Step Up Savannah will be holding a free job skills training program on Monday, Jul. 10. Click here to register. (Step Up Savannah via Facebook)
• The Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools central office will be closed through Jul. 7. The office and other district facilities will reopen on Monday, Jul. 10. (Savannah-Chatham County Public School System via Facebook)

Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you all soon for your next update.

— Joyce Nash

About me: Joyce is a freelance writer and poet whose work has appeared in the Hello Gloria newsletter and Nine Cloud Journal. Her background ranges from journalism to fitness instruction and spans the east coast to the West. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two cats.