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.

The new Texting hotline, created in partnership with the NJ 21 nonprofit referral center, allows anyone to text the words “PATH HOME” to the number 855-11, to report an unhoused person who needs assistance. The texts are relayed to outreach teams trained to assist homeless people and connect them with necessary services.

The latest initiatives build on Mayor Ras Baraka's "The Path Home" initiative, a data-driven, comprehensive plan developed with more than 100 public, private and nonprofit partners, including those with lived experience,

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.