NEWARK, N.J. -- Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said Wednesday a program that has cut homelessness by half will be expanded. It's part of an effort that started with new housing and is now trying to solve the root of the problem. Baraka said Newark is opening a new homelessness center, and offering a slew of other programs for those unhoused.

Two years after Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced a plan to “end chronic homelessness” in his city, he and others gathered on Wednesday to announce an expansion of outreach efforts encouraging unsheltered people to accept help and a new texting hotline enabling citizens to summon outreach workers when they encounter people living on the street.

The City of Newark officially launched a major expansion of street outreach efforts for homeless residents on Wednesday. It is part of Mayor Ras Baraka’s “The Path Home” initiative, in collaboration with several partners including local nonprofits and health care institutions.

Mayor Ras Baraka said it's part of an effort that started with new housing and is now trying to solve the root of the problem. CBS News New York's Christine Sloan reports.