Staten Island is set to receive a dedicated Safe Options Support (SOS) team, Governor Kathy Hochul announced, in an effort to address chronic homelessness, including individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges. With this latest initiative, the SOS program now extends its reach across all of New York City's five boroughs, marking a significant milestone in the state's bid to support its vulnerable populations.
The SOS program, launched two years ago, has been successful in helping over 680 people in New York City to secure permanent housing. The program is now positioned to assist even more individuals on Staten Island. "The Safe Options Support program has been a resounding success since its launch two years ago, providing services to individuals experiencing homelessness—including many who live with mental illness—and helping them to secure permanent housing,” Governor Hochul stated. This expansion is set to quickly make a difference on the streets of Staten Island, where the local community has been vocal about the need for such services.
This team is responsible for canvassing specific areas such as the Staten Island Ferry and its terminals, as well as the Staten Island Railway, to directly engage with and support the unsheltered. The program deploys Critical Time Intervention, a solid evidence-based practice, to effectively connect individuals in crisis to housing supports, including indispensable mental health services. Services are tailored to provide up to 12 months of support, both pre- and post-housing placement, with intensive outreach efforts that include multiple visits each week.
With the expansion, funding has increased steadily, reaching $35.2 million in FY 2025, up from $25 million in FY 2023, according to the Governor's announcement. This financial commitment has enabled the growth of SOS teams from their inception in New York City to span across upstate New York and Long Island, building a more comprehensive support network for the homeless population.
Local officials have been quick to praise the expansion of the SOS program. Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon highlighted the connection between homelessness, mental illness, and crime, stating to the Governor's website, “Simply put, if we want to end the revolving door of recidivism plaguing our State, we must do more to connect those struggling to treatment, services, housing and additional supportive resources.” He commended Governor Hochul for the SOS team on Staten Island and emphasized his office's readiness to collaborate towards improving public safety and supporting vulnerable citizens.
The New York City now has a total of 16 SOS teams operating, with the recent addition of the Staten Island team. This band of teams continues to work closely with various city departments and the MTA, focusing on transit locations and areas with high needs, ensuring that those who can benefit most from the program are identified and helped.
