Hundreds of residents at The Vault apartment complex, located at 1699 Stateboro Place Circle in Statesboro, GA, are grappling with shock and uncertainty after receiving notices Monday demanding they vacate their homes by this Friday, April 11, 2025. The abrupt demand, delivered via letters left on doors, has left many financially strained – having just paid April rent – and confused by conflicting messages from property management and the City of Statesboro.
Residents report their primary worry is financial, questioning how quickly they'll receive refunds from The Vault and struggling to find funds for new deposits and rent on such short notice. Compounding their anxiety is the discrepancy between The Vault's notice, which reportedly blames the City for ordering the vacate due to structural issues, and the City's official stance.
Layne Phillips, City Public Affairs Manager, reiterated Tuesday that the City has not ordered immediate evictions. Instead, the City issued a notice giving The Vault 10 days to present a plan to address structural concerns at the property. Phillips stated the City has no plans to enforce evictions on Friday and is solely expecting the remediation plan from the complex management.
The letter from The Vault management, however, inaccurately claimed the City mandated the immediate move-out and provided no further guidance beyond requesting a forwarding address.
For residents who may not vacate by Friday, Bulloch County Chief Magistrate Judge Karen Jones explained the legal eviction process. After the initial notification to vacate, which residents received on April 7, 2025, The Vault would then need to file a formal eviction. Tenants would then be served official notice and given seven additional days to either leave or request a court hearing. Judge Jones emphasized she cannot provide legal advice but directs residents needing assistance to contact an attorney. If they cannot afford an attorney they can request free legal services from Georgia Legal Services Program at 833-457-7529.
In response to the unfolding crisis, the Statesboro community is mobilizing. Georgia Southern University's Dean of Students Office and University Housing are assisting affected students. Nearby apartment complexes, Copper Beech and Cambridge, report having available units and are facilitating immediate move-ins for displaced Vault residents. Social service organizations like The Union Mission (potential rent aid), Open Hearts Community Mission (shelter beds), Christian Social Ministries (food), and Esther's Place (showers/laundry) are also offering various forms of support.
Contact The Vault
On the door of the office are two handwritten signs advising residents to email with any questions or complaints. Citizens or residents who would like to reach out to The Vault directly with a question or complaint can email them at:
[email protected] (Corporte Office)
[email protected] (Regional Property Manager)
Local assistance
Georgia Southern University students: Jennifer Wise, Director of University Communications told Grice Connect that the Dean of Students Office is available to assist with Georgia Southern students who may be impacted by housing issues at the Vault. The Dean of Students Office can also assist students with faculty notifications and other support resources. Georgia Southern’s University Housing Office is available to work with students who are looking for a place to live on campus for the remainder of the semester. Any students not wishing to live in on-campus housing, should still contact the Dean of Students Office for assistance.
Apartments available: Copper Beech apartments have shared with Grice Connect that they have capacity for 400-500 and Cambridge can handle less than 100. They are priced competitively with The Vault and are allowing immediate move in as soon as they complete their screenings. Here is the link to begin the process. They have had 60 tenants of the Vault reach out as of 4 pm on Tuesday.
Housing and rent assistance: The Union Mission is prepared to help displaced families with income to find housing and possibly provide rent assistance for the first few months. Interested families must apply in person at their Statesboro office (515 Denmark Street, Suite 1000) and provide proof of displacement and proof of income. Through their Rapid Rehousing Program, they will pay your deposit and half of your first three months rent. You must bring the letter from The Vault and met their financial requirements. For more questions call them at 912-238-2777 extension 1801 or 1800.
Homeless shelter: Open Hearts Community Mission, currently has one family room available, along with ten available beds for women and seven available beds for men. They do not accommodate couples. Interested families will need to call 912-623-2528. They prefer a phone call to appearing in person. The intake process takes about 30 minutes: a required background check via the Statesboro PD takes only about two minutes, and the application form is only one page.
FREE Medical and Mental Health: Statesboro Pediatrics and Family Healthcare Center, 1570 Brampton Avenue, Statesboro, GA is offering free medical and mental health care to any resident of the Vault for the month of April. Call 912-764-9196 to make an appointment. You will need to tell them you are a resident of The Vault and bring the letter to vacate from The Vault and proof that you are a resident of The Vault.
Veterans rehousing assistance: On Thursday, April 10th starting at 9:30 am the American Legion Post 90 is hosting the VA Supportive Services for Veterans Families Program (VA SSVF) program coordinators from both Augusta and Savannah at American Legion Post 90, 100 Rucker Lane to assist Veterans from The Vault Apartments with rehousing.
Food: The Statesboro Food Bank can provide meal bags for anyone facing economic stress over this unfortunate and disruptive transition. We are here for anyone in need. We also have volunteers who can deliver to specific addresses. We try to "batch" delivery to save volunteer time and gas but always respond as quickly as possible when needed even if a repeat visit to the same complex. If you need food call Sheila Leach, Executive Director at 912-707-2787.
Food and other resources: Christian Social Ministries is available to provide resources including food. John Long, Executive Director can be reached at 912-512-0107.
Showers and Laundry: Esther's Place is offering showers and laundry assistance.
Monetary Donations: Bulloch VOAD and Bulloch Strong are accepting monetary contributions to assist agencies providing direct assistance to impacted individuals at The Vault. Click Here to give online or mail checks made payable to Bulloch Strong, C/O Pittman Park Church, 1102 Fair Road,
Statesboro, GA 30458.
