
Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday the allocation of $20.7 million to bolster SNUG Street Outreach programs aimed at reducing gun violence in 14 communities across New York State. The funding will support community-based organizations and hospitals by employing outreach workers, hospital responders, social workers, and case managers who serve as credible messengers to individuals at risk of gun violence.
The selected communities benefiting from this initiative include Albany, the Bronx, Buffalo, Hempstead, Mount Vernon, Newburgh, Niagara Falls, Poughkeepsie, Syracuse, Rochester, Troy, Utica, Wyandanch, and Yonkers. These areas have been identified as disproportionately affected by gun violence.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of public safety, stating, “Public safety is my number one priority — that’s why my Budget invests in proven initiatives like the SNUG program to drive down gun violence, save lives and keep New Yorkers safe.” She highlighted the collaborative efforts of outreach teams working alongside law enforcement and local partners to address gun violence comprehensively.
The SNUG program employs a public health approach to tackle gun violence by identifying its sources, interrupting transmission, and treating individuals, families, and communities affected. Administered by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, SNUG is a key component of Governor Hochul’s comprehensive plan to address the causes and consequences of gun violence and other crimes.
Recent data indicates progress in these efforts. Communities participating in the State’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative reported a record low of 588 shooting incidents with injury in 2024, a 28% reduction from the 817 incidents reported in 2023.
The $20.7 million funding will cover staff salaries, programs, services, equipment, and technology for the SNUG locations throughout the 2025 calendar year. This support will sustain 181 full-time and 39 part-time employees dedicated to violence prevention and intervention efforts in the designated communities.
SNUG staff members, many of whom have personal experiences with the criminal justice system or have lost loved ones to violence, work within their own communities to mediate conflicts, prevent retaliatory actions, and connect individuals with educational and job opportunities. The program also engages local stakeholders by sponsoring anti-violence marches, job fairs, block parties, sporting events, and other community gatherings to foster unity and promote safety.
Governor Hochul’s Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget continues to support SNUG, GIVE, and other initiatives in communities that report 90% of violent crimes with firearms and 85% of violent crimes outside of New York City, underscoring the state’s commitment to comprehensive crime reduction and public safety.
Rossana Rosado, Commissioner of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, praised the initiative, stating, “Our SNUG Street Outreach teams are a critical component of Governor Hochul’s comprehensive crime reduction and public safety plan. These dedicated individuals work in communities disproportionately affected by gun violence. They mediate and defuse conflicts and provide access to programs and support, including counseling and case management, so youth and families can thrive, and communities can heal.”
The SNUG program’s holistic approach aims to create safer environments by addressing the root causes of gun violence and providing at-risk individuals with the resources and support needed to change behavior and increase opportunities.