After the beating death of four homeless men in Chinatown, Mayor Bill de Blasio is increasing the city’s outreach efforts to the homeless.
“We are sending experts to the neighborhood to provide support during this difficult time, and will continue to assess how to prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future," Mayor de Blasio said in a statement.
Mental health outreach teams will be sent to designated areas, while teams that proactively engage the homeless will also be dispatched. The mayor said they will have access to licensed clinicians and psychiatrists.
“We’re committed to providing mental health services for all New Yorkers and our mental health outreach teams stand ready to provide support to this community and anyone seeking help,” First Lady Chirlane McCray said.