SHE ANNOUNCES A STATEWIDE EXPANSION TO A PROGRAM CALLED SAFE OPtions SUPPORT OR SOS THAT REHOUSES INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS AND CHRONIC MENTAL ILLNESS.  

GOV. HOCHUL SAid THE PROGRAM WILL BE EXPANDED TO SEVERAL AREAS ACROSS THE STATE INCLUDING THE SOUTHERN TIER.  

SHE SAid establishing THIS PROGRAM THROUGHOUT THE STATE RECOGNIZES THE LINK BETWEEN HOMELESSNESS AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CHALLENGES.  

“For far too long, society has really turned a blind eye to the mental health crisis. You know, if you ignore it, it'll go away, right? If you just pretend people are not out there, you just walk past them, you don't have to deal with the realities of life, but these are our fellow citizens,” said   

THE GOVERNOR ALSO EXPANDS FUNDING FOR THE PROGRAM. LAST YEARS BUDGET ALLOCATED $25 MILLION FOR THE PROGRAM.

SHE SAid THE STATe will INCREASE THIS AMOUNT TO $34 MILLION.