VOCAL-NY unveiled its 2025 Statewide Legislative Platform, calling on New York lawmakers to adopt bold, evidence-based measures to address the state’s escalating crises of homelessness, substance use, and unmet mental health needs.
The advocacy group highlighted the devastating impact of current policies, which they argue rely heavily on incarceration and criminalization rather than addressing root causes. VOCAL-NY emphasized that political rhetoric and inaction have worsened the humanitarian crisis, with over 20,000 overdose deaths in New York since 2020 and more than 158,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night.
Central to VOCAL-NY’s platform is the passage of Daniel’s Law, which would establish non-police responses to mental health crises by dispatching trained health professionals instead of law enforcement. Other key proposals include the Overdose Prevention and Recovery Act, ensuring sustainable funding for harm reduction services, and authorizing Overdose Prevention Centers through executive action.
The platform also advocates for the Housing Access Voucher Program, which would provide statewide rental assistance to low-income and undocumented New Yorkers, as well as those with felony convictions. Additionally, VOCAL-NY is pushing for expanded access to HIV-specific housing support through state funding.
“New York’s leaders must recognize that these are not unsolvable issues — they are policy choices,” the organization stated, urging lawmakers to prioritize sustainable, community-based solutions.
VOCAL-NY also called for reforms to the criminal justice system, including Elder Parole, Medicaid enrollment for incarcerated individuals prior to release, and expanded pathways for challenging wrongful convictions.
With the 2025 legislative session on the horizon, the group urged Governor Kathy Hochul and state legislators to take decisive action, warning that failure to address these crises would continue to harm New York’s most vulnerable residents.
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