Housing Authority of Savannah opens waitlist application for public housing

SAVANNAH, Ga (WSAV) – The Housing Authority of Savannah told News 3 they are committed to addressing the housing needs of Savannah’s low-income population, and vacancies within their existing communities are allowing them to continue placing as many people as possible.

Savannah ranks high when it comes to having the least affordable prices for renters. For the low-income population, it can be a nightmare trying to find a place to call home.

News 3 spoke to Earline Davis, executive director of the Housing Authority of Savannah, and she said she has opened a waiting list application for public housing for various bedroom sizes. The communities include Yamacraw Village, Simon Frazier Homes, Horace Stillwell Towers, Pickens Patterson Terrace and Single-Family Homes.

“The process that we opened today allows people who are interested in housing to provide some verifiable information,” Davis said. “There are no documents, so your name goes on a waiting list.”

The applications are chosen on a first come, first serve basis and only a select few are called back to provide documents to get into the program.

This time around, the application period will only be two days. Davis said this is even shorter than last time they opened an application, which they received close to 3,000 applications in just one week.

“We shortened the time because years ago we opened a waiting list for about two weeks, and we received about 12,000 applications,” Davis said. “So, we don’t want to give people an unrealistic expectation of when they could be expected to be called in.”

It gives the housing authority an idea of the needs in the community. It is an online-only application, and it does not guarantee an offer for housing. The application can be accessed online through a Rent Café account.

“Anyone who feels that they need assistance with their housing expenses – they should take advantage of this opportunity.”

The waitlist will close on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. or until they have received enough applicants.