According to the state Department of Health, there were more than 44,000 deaths caused by firearms in the U.S. last year.

New York has been trying since 2009 to reduce incidences of gun violence with its SNUG Program and last week, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced another $20.3 million for the organizations to strengthen it.

“I think there’s an element of making it human, or humanizing it, that is so powerful," said Syracuse Common Councilor Chol Majok.

For 14 years, the SNUG Street Outreach program has tried to reduce gun violence by focusing on the New Yorkers most at risk.

“It’s using the community capital, which is the people, to really start tackling gun violence," Majok said.

The program employs outreach workers, social workers and case managers who are heavily involved in communities with high rates of gun violence. According to the state, it's been working.

Through Dec. 3, communities with SNUG programs saw a 36% decrease in shooting-related injuries compared to the same timeframe in 2021.

"I think people normally respond when they feel like they are being heard, they are being seen," Majok said.

The funding will compensate people who officials say are already making a difference in communities, and help bring in others to expand on the work.

“The community has to recognize that this is their space, this is them," Majok said. "We want a buy-in, we want a buy-in from the community for solutions to be organic, as opposed to it being pushed on them.”

Every region in upstate is getting a boost, each getting between $2.5 million and $3.6 million.

“People have solutions to their problems. They just need to be pulled out of them and made visual. Help them see what is possible," Majok said.

The state is budgeting $347 million next year to fund a plan that attempts to reduce gun violence and improve community safety.