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The Savannah Police Department created the Homeless Outreach, Patrol and Enforcement (HOPE) Unit in July 2024.

The HOPE Unit's goal is to connect people experiencing homelessness with resources rather than criminalizing them.

The unit also enforces city ordinances, such as the Urban Camping Ordinance, particularly with repeat offenders.

The morning after a fall chill crept onto the coastal city's streets, Savannah Police Department (SPD) officer Corporal Janessa Stalter grabbed a few jackets, loaded them into her patrol vehicle and set out to find Kenneth.

Stalter arrived at a local business and asked the owner for Kenneth, who emerged from his place of work moments later.

“Hey, Kenneth,” Stalter said with a big, welcoming smile taking the place of the more stoic,

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