$20.3 million has been released by the state to support SNUG Street Outreach programs in 14 communities across New York State. These grant awards to 16 different community-based organizations and hospitals fund outreach workers, hospital responders, social workers and case managers who are credible messengers and work to reduce shootings and save lives. New York State’s SNUG program uses a public health approach to address gun violence by identifying the source, interrupting transmission, and treating individuals, families and communities affected by the violence.
Administered and supported by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, the SNUG Street Outreach program employs outreach workers, social workers, case managers and hospital responders who work in neighborhoods experiencing elevated levels of gun violence in Albany, the Bronx, Buffalo, Hempstead, Mt. Vernon, Newburgh, Niagara Falls, Poughkeepsie, Syracuse, Rochester, Troy, Utica, Wyandanch and Yonkers. The program also embeds social workers at trauma centers in Albany, Rochester, and Syracuse who work with individuals and families in the aftermath of a violent incident to offer support, services and connect them to the SNUG program in their communities for additional assistance.
Social workers and case managers provide those affected by gun violence or other crimes in the communities with trauma-informed counseling, support groups, advocacy and assistance with filing victim compensation applications with the state Office of Victim Services, and referrals for other services as needed; and offer support and guidance to SNUG team members.
The $20.3 million will fund staff, programs, services, equipment and technology for the SNUG locations and includes $254,000 to support DCJS’s administration of the program during the 2024 calendar year. The program supports 178 full-time and 43 part-time employees. Regional recipients include:
Central New York and Mohawk Valley
- Syracuse – Syracuse Community Connections: $1,702,028 and SUNY Upstate Medical Center: $572,343
- Utica – Integrated Community Alternatives Network: $785,390
Finger Lakes
- Rochester – PathStone Corp.: $1,972,323 and Rochester General Hospital: $555,312
Western New York
- Buffalo – Erie County Medical Center: $2,829,677
- Niagara Falls – Community Missions of Niagara Falls: $626,076
