VOCAL-NY (Voices of Community Activists and Leaders)
@vocal-ny.bsky.social
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G'roots organizing for healthy & just communities. HIV, drug policy, incarceration & homelessness.
Today, we are standing with the family of Win Rozario and
@justicecommittee.bsky.social
to demand NYPD Commissioner Tisch fire the cops who killed him. No obstruction, no delays!
5 days ago
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Congress has already cut SNAP and Medicaid â now theyâre setting their sights on housing and homeless assistance. These programs keep people housed and alive! More cuts will push more people into homelessness.
#StopTheFederalCuts
Contact your rep today:
endhomelessness.org/action/act-n...
8 days ago
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New Op-Ed for International Overdose Awareness Day đ âIn the face of federal cuts, Albany can â and must â reconvene a special sessionâŠInstead, the next wave of preventable overdose deaths is being set in motion by people in power, including Hochul.â
www.nydailynews.com/2025/08/31/g...
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Gov picks tax breaks over saving lives
We live in the Bronx, the borough most ravaged by the overdose crisis. And every year, on Aug. 31, International Overdose Awareness Day reminds us of the lives lost and the policies that failed theâŠ
https://www.nydailynews.com/2025/08/31/gov-picks-tax-breaks-over-saving-lives/
20 days ago
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NEW REPORT:
@nycibo.bsky.social
shows that NYC has a variety of programs to help those dealing with homelessness, mental health complexities, or drug use. But do people know how to access these programs? Are these programs working with each other? Statement here:
vocal-ny.com/f19d41
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VOCAL-NY Praises New IBO Report Outlining NYC Programs Available to People Struggling With Homelessness, Unmet Mental Health Needs, and Substance Use | VOCAL-NY
CONTACT:Â : Mariah McGough,
[email protected]
VOCAL-NY PRAISES NEW IBO REPORT OUTLINING NYC PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO PEOPLE STRUGGLING WITH HOMELESSNESS, UNMET MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS, AND SUBSTANCE USE VOC...
https://www.vocal-ny.org/uncategorized/vocal-ny-praises-new-ibo-report-outlining-nyc-programs-available-to-people-struggling-with-homelessness-unmet-mental-health-needs-and-substance-use/
about 1 month ago
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Nick Encalada-Malinowski with VOCAL-NY said the Adams administration hasnât been addressing housing issues but instead using NYPD to solve a wider and wider array of problems much like ââif you're a hammer, everything looks like a nail.â
gothamist.com/news/this-is...
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'This isn't broken windows,' NY officials say as they expand quality-of-life policing
Mayor Eric Adams said the initiative is meant to help New Yorkers feel safe.
https://gothamist.com/news/this-isnt-broken-windows-ny-officials-say-as-they-expand-quality-of-life-policing
about 2 months ago
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âThe Medicaid cuts will be devastating to our ability to continue to downward turn the overdose crisis,â said Jasmine Budnella, VOCAL-NY director of drug policy. âMedicaid is the single largest payer of substance use disorder treatment.
amsterdamnews.com/news/2025/07...
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Most recent data shows NYC overdose deaths are down. Will the trend continue?
During last yearâs third quarter 498 people died from overdoses in New York City â according to new preliminary data from the DOHMH.
https://amsterdamnews.com/news/2025/07/17/nyc-overdose-deaths-are-down-will-the-trend-continue/
2 months ago
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Everyday, all day and forever - Carl Stubbs Way!
2 months ago
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Last week, another man died in DOC custody. That's the 41st reported death under Department of Corrections custody in NYC jails since Mayor Adams took office. We can't prevent these deaths & get accountability if we don't know about them! It's time to change that.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/07/11/c...
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Council Set to Pass Bill Mandating Disclosure of Rikers Deaths
Two years ago, Department of Correction officials abruptly stopped notifying the media when someone died in city custody. That sparked a wide backlash that culminates in legislation being voted on Mon...
https://www.thecity.nyc/2025/07/11/council-vote-bill-death-disclosure-rikers-island/
2 months ago
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Some good news for NYC CityFHEPS Voucher holders! âThis is the time for us to engage in implementation, and talk about who are the populations that weâre serving,â Abreu said. âInstead of just saying simply âno,â we can provide support.â
citylimits.org/mayor-must-i...
2 months ago
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"On Friday, Tisch disappointed anyone who bought that, going against the recommendations of both the Civilian Complaint Review Board and an NYPD judge, and declining to fire Lieutenant Jonathan Rivera, who killed Allan Feliz during a traffic stop in 2019."
hellgatenyc.com/allan-feliz-...
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NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch Is Just Another Cop
The family of Allan Feliz thought they would get some justice, until Tisch came along.
https://hellgatenyc.com/allan-feliz-jessica-tisch-jonathan-rivera/?ref=morning-spew-newsletter
3 months ago
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reposted by
VOCAL-NY (Voices of Community Activists and Leaders)
Justice Committee
3 months ago
Happy Heavenly Birthday,
#WinRozario
, from the Bell family.
#WinShouldBe21
@NYPDPC @NYCMayor @NewYorkStateAG: Prosecute and
#FireAlongi
#FireCianfrocco
!
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Win should be with us today. Join us tomorrow in wishing him a happy heavenly birthday and calling for accountability from the NYPD.
add a skeleton here at some point
3 months ago
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Thank you to
@jayapal.house.gov
and
@maxwellfrost.bsky.social
for introducing the
#HousingNotHandcuffs
legislation in Congress today! Click here to send a message to lawmakers to pass this important legislation!
www.votervoice.net/NHLC/campaig...
3 months ago
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NYC budget decisions are happening right now and trans & queer lives need funding! Weâre calling on NYC Council to include in the FY26 budget: â $15M for Gender-Affirming Care â $10M for Unhoused Youth â $10M for the Trans Equity Fund Email the your councilmember today:
bit.ly/NYCtrans
3 months ago
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NEW REPORT: Today, VOCAL-NY and
@takerootnyc.bsky.social
released âWi-Fi For All: The Need for Wi-fi Access in NYCâs Shelter System." What we found out: individuals in single adult NYC shelters are struggling to access the internet, which impacts their well-being, housing, and job opportunities.
4 months ago
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Dedicated to ending homelessness across New York? VOCAL-NY is hiring for a new Housing Campaigns Manager! Come join our team and work with incredible leaders who have been impacted by homelessness in all forms. Apply at the link here:
www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit...
4 months ago
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The Civil Rights Union is up in Albany today to support these bills to end mass incarceration across New York: đ” The Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act (S6319 & A7422) đ” Elder Parole (S454/A514) and Fair & Timely Parole (S159/A127) đ” Earned Time (S342/A1085) and Second Look (S158/A1283)
4 months ago
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Join our team!! We're hiring for a Drug Policy Coordinator to work with VOCAL-NY's User Union and support the leadership of people impacted by the failed War on Drugs. Think you or someone you know is a good fit? Apply here:
www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit...
4 months ago
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Join us for our Welcome to VOCAL-NY Happy Hour on Tuesday, 5/27, 5:30-6:30 PM at Threes Brewing, 333 Douglass St., Brooklyn. Come learn more about VOCAL-NY and connect with other friends and allies. Questions/RSVP:
[email protected]
.
4 months ago
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Long overdue! After years of fighting, the NYS legislature voted to fund the Housing Access Voucher Program by $50mil/year for the next 4 years. Thank you to Speaker Heastie, Majority Leader Cousins, Senator Kavanagh, and Assemblymember Rosenthal for championing this vital program!
5 months ago
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New op-ed from our partners at PUSH Buffalo and Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project!
@governor.ny.gov
: Communities all across NY need housing now, and substantial funding for the Housing Access Voucher Program could make that happen!
buffalonews.com/opinion/arti...
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Another Voice: Housing Access Voucher Program is vital for those at risk
Earlier this year, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released a report informing us that Buffalo and its surrounding counties saw an 81% increase in homelessness from 2022 to 2024.
https://buffalonews.com/opinion/article_abe92263-0575-4a80-ab47-d3be34bd0162.html
5 months ago
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âThis is the first time that we have seen some type of light,â said Althea Matthews, a member of the advocacy group VOCAL-NY. âThere are just too many people facing homelessness, not just in New York City, but in all of New York State.â
gothamist.com/news/gov-hoc...
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Gov. Hochul says NY budget will create $50M rental aid program championed by tenant groups
Tenant activists and landlords alike had pushed for the program for years. Hochul ultimately agreed to about a fifth of the funding its legislative sponsors originally sought
https://gothamist.com/news/gov-hochul-says-ny-budget-will-create-50m-rental-aid-program-championed-by-tenant-groups
5 months ago
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Today, we're up in Albany with the
#EndQINY
coalition to pass S176/A1402, which would ensure public officials are held to the same standard as all New Yorkers. Nearly 2/3 of NYers support eliminating qualified immunity. It's time for our legislators to listen!
#SafeguardOurCivilRights
5 months ago
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reposted by
VOCAL-NY (Voices of Community Activists and Leaders)
Drug Policy Alliance
5 months ago
Every day, families lose loved ones to overdose. In honor of their lives, families are urging Trump & Congress to prioritize health-based solutions that save lives & provide the care people urgently need. Sign to join them & demand health over punishment:
engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/famil...
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reposted by
VOCAL-NY (Voices of Community Activists and Leaders)
Drug Policy Alliance
5 months ago
Susan's son, Tyler, sought help for his addiction. Many barriers were put in the way like being blocked from treatment and medication due to stigma and denial by insurance. Now families like Susanâs are demanding health solutions to save lives. Join them:
engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/famil...
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NYC showing up! We need real solutions to homelessness, like housing and healthcare. Encampment sweeps, involuntary commitments, & shelter sanctions policy DON'T WORK. The NYPD's new "Quality of Life" division won't help if there's no resources or housing for people. Enough with the half measures!
5 months ago
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Happening today: We've got actions happening in NYC and Rochester today to demand Housing Now! We need housing - not handcuffs and jails. New Yorkers are struggling to pay rent and find housing, yet Congress is considering cutting vital social services? That ain't right!
5 months ago
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reposted by
VOCAL-NY (Voices of Community Activists and Leaders)
New York Communities for Change
5 months ago
đ€Š Cuomo is a wholly owned subsidiary of your landlord. Heâs the biggest reason NYC is struggling. Cuomo => rent hikes & homelessness PS Cuomoâs image of competence is a lie. Heâs grossly incompetent and corrupt. His record stinks.
add a skeleton here at some point
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reposted by
VOCAL-NY (Voices of Community Activists and Leaders)
New Yorkers for Transportation Equity
5 months ago
More highways? In this economy? Our bill aims to "benefit small municipalities to meet their climate and transit goals, bolstering communities that are near-impossible to traverse without a car."
www.timesunion.com/state/articl...
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Bill aims to curb car mileage amid âfreeway (funding) fightsâ
Albany advocates have long angled for an overhaul of Interstate 787, which separates much of the city from the Hudson River waterfront.
https://www.timesunion.com/state/article/bill-aims-curb-car-mileage-amid-freeway-20265632.php
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reposted by
VOCAL-NY (Voices of Community Activists and Leaders)
New York Working Families Party
5 months ago
"Lawler wants to put millionaires over Medicaid â and slap the 7.7 million New Yorkers (nearly 40% of the entire state) who rely on Medicaid to get the care they need square in the face." Read the full op-ed from
@jasgripper.bsky.social
&
@investinourny.bsky.social
www.lohud.com/story/opinio...
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Republicans in Congress â like NY's Mike Lawler â think Medicaid doesnât matter | Opinion
No one went to the polls in November to cut health care for our nationâs most vulnerable, and if Republicans get their way, we will all pay the price.
https://www.lohud.com/story/opinion/2025/04/10/nys-mike-lawler-gop-think-medicaid-doesnt-matter-opinion/82991478007/
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reposted by
VOCAL-NY (Voices of Community Activists and Leaders)
Reconnect Rochester
5 months ago
Last night, we joined
@vocal-ny.bsky.social
to discuss affordable transportation options to meet our daily needs and protect our community's health. Join us 4/24 at 6pm at Reconnect Rochester to continue the conversation.
@nyfte.bsky.social
#RochesterNY
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VICTORY! The New York City Council, thanks to
@cmsandynurse.bsky.social
, just passed
#FreeToPee
legislation that would create, maintain, & report on 2,000+ public restrooms by 2035. When ya gotta go, ya gotta go â and now people in NYC won't have to purchase anything to meet their basic needs!
6 months ago
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âBeing able to interact with family & friends, being able to do your day-to-day chores & activities, those things impact you. Thatâs how transportation impacts the world â it affects community greatly." â Danyta Jefferson, VOCAL-NY Leader with
@nyfte.bsky.social
www.timesunion.com/state/articl...
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Bill aims to curb car mileage amid âfreeway (funding) fightsâ
Albany advocates have long angled for an overhaul of Interstate 787, which separates much of the city from the Hudson River waterfront.
https://www.timesunion.com/state/article/bill-aims-curb-car-mileage-amid-freeway-20265632.php
6 months ago
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We're hiring!! Join our amazing Brooklyn Drop-In Center team! Check out the listing here:
www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit...
6 months ago
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TOMORROW @ 7:30pm! Our homes are not your tax cut â Join
@pplsactioninst.bsky.social
for a teach in on HUD and learn how to fight back against Trumpâs proposed housing cuts. RSVP here:
www.mobilize.us/peoplesactio...
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https://www.mobilize.us/peoplesactio..
6 months ago
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BREAKING: NYS Assembly Correction Committee passes Fair and Timely & Elder Parole bills
6 months ago
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reposted by
VOCAL-NY (Voices of Community Activists and Leaders)
Invest in Our New York
6 months ago
@governor.ny.gov
, let's finally make your commitment a reality in this year's New York State budget! The people on Main Street want you to
#TaxTheRich
so we can
#InvestInOurNY
.
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Happening Now! We're outside
@governor.ny.gov
's Manhattan office to demand the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP) gets funding in this year's budget. Homelessness isn't just a NYC problem! We've got folks rallying in Yonkers and Rochester today with the same message!
6 months ago
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#AllanFeliz
was unarmed when Lt. Rivera assaulted, tased & shot him in the chest in 2019. Both the NYC CCRB & the NYPD 's discipline judge recommended he be fired. Enough is enough,
@nypd.bsky.social
& Eric Adams must do the right thing:
#FireJonathanRivera
by March 31st!
6 months ago
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The
@nydailynews.com
gets it! The Statewide Homelessness Crisis is solvable, but it requires leadership willing to invest in preventing homelessness and creating pathways for people to get out of it.
@governor.ny.gov
, it's past time for you to support HAVP!
#EndHomelessness
6 months ago
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âHochul, if you intend to rollback discovery laws then youâre telling the people of New York that youâre not like us,â VOCAL-NY leader DâJuan Collins said, sending a message to the governor.
@govkathyhochul.bsky.social
donât destroy NYâs discovery laws!
www.bxtimes.com/protestors-r...
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Protesters rally outside Bronx courthouse against Hochulâs proposed changes to discovery reform law â Bronx Times
In the governorâs Executive Budget for 2026, Hochul proposed relaxing certain aspects of the 2019 discovery reform law, also known as âKaliefâs Law,â
https://www.bxtimes.com/protestors-rally-to-protect-discovery-reform/
6 months ago
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Congress plans to cut trillions of $$ from federal programs like Medicaid, SNAP, public education, & enforcement of workers' rights, while giving tax cuts for billionaires, New Yorkers will take the streets to say loud and clear:
#StopTheCuts
! đïžSaturday, March 15 â°11 AM đFoley Square
6 months ago
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Our city is failing our neighbors in crisis. Instead of funding mental health care, NYC sends police to do the work of social workers, EMTs, and therapists. We need real solutions. We need
#CrisisToCare
. See
@nycprogressives.bsky.social
plan here:
nycprogressives.com/crisis-to-care/
7 months ago
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Thinking about Spring cleaning soon? Consider bringing your warm clothes into VOCAL-NY's Drop-In Center! Winter's not quite over, and we're in need of donations of warm men's clothes. Items should be gently used and washed before donation. More info below!
7 months ago
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STATEMENT:
@govkathyhochul.bsky.social
don't remove critical safeguards that protects basic human rights of those behind bars! Read full statement from VOCAL-NY LeaderRoger Clark here:
rebrand.ly/e6hh6zd
7 months ago
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Spread the word - VOCAL-NY is hiring for community organizers in NYC and Western NY!
www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit...
7 months ago
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Mic check, mic check đ đ VOCAL-NY is officially on BlueSky!
7 months ago
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