News 12 Staff

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Feb 21, 2024, 6:21 PM

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Updated

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New efforts from the state are headed to combat chronic homelessness.

Gov. Kathy Hochul just announced $34 million in state funds to expand Safe Operations Support Initiative.

The investment covers Long Island, Westchester and upstate.

The program focuses on smoother transitions for people who leave psychiatric spots and cuts wait times for mental health services.

"One of the truest measures of society is how we treat the most vulnerable of our systems. Not the most powerful, but the most vulnerable," Hochul said. "And never again will we avert our eyes and say, 'that's not our problem.' It's all of our problem."

Hochul added chronic homelessness problem is not limited to one area and communities must work together to find solutions.