Newburgh will receive nearly $918,000 in new state funding to support street outreach and violence interruption efforts as part of a nearly $21 million statewide investment aimed at reducing gun violence, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Monday.
The funding will support the SNUG Street Outreach program in Newburgh, administered locally by the Regional Economic Community Action Plan, one of 14 community-based organizations and hospitals statewide receiving grants through the initiative. SNUG takes a public health approach to gun violence, focusing on conflict mediation, outreach to those most at risk, and connecting individuals and families with social services, education and employment opportunities.
Newburgh’s award of $917,953 will fund outreach workers, case managers and support services throughout 2026. The city is among several Hudson Valley communities included in the latest round of grants, along with Mount Vernon, Poughkeepsie and Yonkers.
“This critical investment in community-based violence prevention will strengthen outreach efforts, interrupt cycles of violence and connect residents most at risk with meaningful support and opportunity,” Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey said in a statement. He called the funding a continuation of the partnership between the state and local leaders to improve public safety and long-term stability.
State Sen. Rob Rolison praised the funding for Newburgh and neighboring Poughkeepsie, which is due to receive $1.1 million.
“The Regional Economic Community Action Plan in Newburgh and Family Services in Poughkeepsie are doing life-saving work — connecting individuals with critical support and actively reducing gun violence in our communities,” Rolison said. “I am deeply grateful for the dedicated community partners who show up every day to keep our neighborhoods safe and save lives. This funding will tremendously strengthen their mission and help ensure this important work continues to make a lasting impact.”
Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson also cited the importance of pairing enforcement of gun laws with community-based prevention efforts.
“Unfortunately, gun violence plagues the cities of Newburgh and Poughkeepsie, as it does too many areas of the nation,” Jacobson said. “It must be addressed in three ways: ending gun trafficking from outside of New York State; enforcing our gun laws, including full application of red flags laws; and engaging communities through local organizations to stop gun violence before it starts.