Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration announced Thursday that it is seeking to open 1,200 housing units that come with mental health care, workforce training, or other specialized services. The state is also working to make more than 500 beds available in state-run facilities for homeless people in New York City.
It's part of a five-year, $10 billion homelessness plan to add 6,000 supportive housing units over five years and improve services for homeless people throughout the state.
The announcement came on the heels of a report from housing advocates that accused the Democratic governor and lawmakers for not doing enough to address homelessness.
The coalition's report, also released Thursday, says the number of people in homeless shelters throughout the state has gone up 41 percent since 2011, when Cuomo took office.
The report says state leaders rely on "inadequate, antiquated" policies and recommends instead increasing housing allowances and rental subsidies along with new housing units.
The groups sponsoring the report include the Hunger Action Network, Voices of Community Activists and Leaders and New York Communities for Change.
Cuomo has said addressing housing and homelessness is a top priority.
