A $38.2 million initiative funded by the New York State Office of Mental Health will create eight safe option support teams for individuals who are experiencing homelessness throughout the state. 

"We help gain their trust and we work with them right where they are with whatever they need for a period of time until we are able to help them move into safe housing and the other kinds of community services that we offer for these individuals," said Dr. Ann Sullivan, commissioner of the New York State Office of Mental Health.

The team will include behavioral health professionals that will help connect those experiencing homelessness to the critical services and shelter they need. The team will also include licensed clinicians, care managers and peer specialists that will all work with local government agencies, community organizations, hospitals and law enforcement.

The initiative will serve as a tool to elevate the work of organizations throughout the state.

“In order to connect people with each other, we need a peer with lived experience,” said Sybil Newell, RISE Housing and Support Services' executive director. “A team of therapists would also allow us to provide immediate mental health assessment and support to those in need."

The investment will be spread over a period of five years in order to assist homeless people in transitioning from the streets to housing, as well as providing them with the services they need.