N.Y. SOS Law § 48

§ 48. Legislative intent. The legislature finds that there are a\nsignificant number of homeless and at-risk households living in\ntemporary and unstable conditions which would benefit from the provision\nof a comprehensive assistance program. The legislature further finds\nthat the current system of providing services to such households would\nbe improved by ensuring that a broad range of flexible, individualized\nassistance is available to stabilize households and to better meet\ndivergent local needs. The legislature, therefore, finds that state\nfinancial assistance should be made available for the purpose of\nproviding supportive services designed to stabilize households by\nattempting to avoid homelessness and, for those who are currently\nhomeless, by facilitating the transition form homelessness to permanent\nhousing.\n