Local lawmakers and advocates rallied on Thursday at the Monroe County office building in a push to end homelessness in Rochester.

New York's budget deadline of April 1 is drawing near and local lawmakers and advocates pushed state leaders to fund a housing access voucher program.

VOCAL-NY is leading the call for Gov. Kathy Hochul to include funding in the final state budget for the Housing Access Voucher Program. According to VOCAL-NY, Hochul has said she is focused on the construction of a modest amount of new units, however, the organization says this fails to address the immediate needs of New Yorkers on the verge of eviction, those living in the shelter system or those trying to survive on the streets.

As of January 2024, organizers say more than 1,000 people in Rochester are homeless.

"The need for housing assistance is more urgent than ever," said Mirian Valdor-Copa, chief of staff for Assemblyman Demond Meeks. "By providing direct rental support, we prevent homelessness and foster stronger, more resilient communities."

VOCAL-NY held simultaneous rallies in Yonkers and New York City as well.