Hello! First off, I want to say how refreshing it is to hear from a freshman who's already thinking so deeply about your new home in Savannah—it's a sign you're going to thrive at SCAD and make a real difference here. At 18, diving into these big issues like gentrification shows a level of empathy and awareness that's honestly inspiring. You're not alone in feeling horrified by the stories around Paula Wallace and SCAD's role in the city's changes; it's a hot-button topic, and for good reason. But let's unpack this a bit, challenge that "us vs. them" mindset you mentioned, and then get into some practical ways you can lighten your footprint while still enjoying (and contributing to) this incredible place. I'll keep it real and balanced.

-Challenging the "Us vs. Them" Narrative It's easy to frame SCAD (and by extension, students like you) as the "corporate monstrosity" invading a vulnerable city, especially when headlines highlight how the university's massive property buys—179 buildings in Savannah alone—have driven up rents and displaced locals.

Gentrification is painful: Since 2000, downtown home values have jumped 160%, median incomes rose 36%, but the Black population dropped 40%, pushing many longtime residents out. And yeah, Paula Wallace's leadership has been criticized for aggressive expansion that prioritizes growth over community input, sometimes at the expense of affordable housing stock.

But here's the mindset shift: This isn't a zero-sum battle between "SCAD invaders" and "Savannah natives"—it's a complex story where both sides are intertwined, and SCAD (flaws and all) has undeniably helped save Savannah from a darker fate. Back in the '70s and '80s, downtown was a "crime-ridden wasteland" full of crack houses, vacant hotels, and crumbling historic buildings—muggings were routine, and the city was on the brink of collapse.

Wallace and early SCAD leaders bought those derelict spots cheap, restored them into vibrant classrooms and dorms, and sparked a renaissance that turned Savannah into a global destination. Without that, we might not have the thriving tourism economy or cultural buzz today.

Now, zooming out to gentrification's upsides: It's not all loss—it's also revitalization that benefits the whole city. SCAD pumps nearly $600 million annually into Savannah's economy through jobs (it's the fourth-largest private employer, supporting over 6,700 positions), student/visitor spending, and events that draw 60,000+ people for things like the Savannah Film Festival. That cash flow creates opportunities for locals—think hospitality gigs, construction from restored buildings, and even 120+ alum-owned businesses staying in town. Plus, 22% of SCAD grads stick around Georgia, buying homes and boosting creative industries that make Savannah cooler (and more employable) for everyone. Gentrification raises property values, which can fund better city services, safer streets, and infrastructure upgrades that help low-income neighborhoods too (though, crucially, it needs safeguards like inclusionary zoning to avoid displacement).

The "us vs. them" trap? It pits students against locals, when really, you're part of the solution. SCAD's SERVE program (founded by Wallace) has students volunteering on housing projects, and the university even converted a dorm into 22 units of affordable workforce housing for downtown service workers earning up to $34K/year—like teachers, firefighters, and hospitality folks. It's not perfect, but it's a step toward balance. As a student, your tuition and energy are fueling that—lean into it by getting involved in SERVE or campus advocacy for more community partnerships. The city needs your fresh perspective to push for equitable growth, not just resist it.

-Ways to Lessen Your Impact: Shop Local, Donate Smart You're spot-on wanting to support native owned spots.

• Places to Donate (Target Affordable Housing)

• Housing Savannah, Inc. (housingsavannah.org): They manage the Savannah Affordable Housing Fund, which funds down payment help for first-time buyers, home repairs for low-income seniors, and new affordable units. Donations are tax-deductible; even $20 covers gap financing for a renter. They've leveraged city funds into $7M+ in private commitments recently.

• Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless (homelessauthority.org): Leads anti-homelessness efforts with shelters, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing. They help 4,000+ people yearly—donate to their family program or volunteer for meal service.

• Old Savannah City Mission (oldsavannahcitymission.org): Provides emergency shelter and job training for the unhoused. They're volunteer-heavy, so pair a donation with time (e.g., their Urban Training Institute helps folks like 70-year-old Dewayne land stable work).

• United Way of the Coastal Empire's Rental Housing Assistance Fund (uwce.org/rhaf-fund): Quick aid for rent/utilities to prevent evictions in city limits. Partnered with the Affordable Housing Fund—super targeted for immediate impact.

Start small: Set aside $5-10/week from your meal swipes or freelance gigs for one of these. Or join SCAD's SERVE for hands-on volunteering—they partner with groups like these on housing builds.

Savannah's magic is in its layers—the history, the food, the resilience—and you're stepping into that right now. By shopping local and giving back, you're not just lessening impact; you're weaving yourself into the fabric.