About Vocal-ny
VOCAL-NY: Building Power for Healthy and Just Communities
VOCAL-NY is a non-profit organization that has been working tirelessly to empower people affected by HIV/AIDS, drug use, and mass incarceration. The organization was founded in 1999 with the aim of creating healthy and just communities where everyone can thrive.
Over the years, VOCAL-NY has become a leading voice in advocating for policies that promote social justice, health equity, and human rights. The organization's work is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, affordable housing, education, employment opportunities, and other basic needs.
One of VOCAL-NY's core strategies is community organizing. The organization works with people who are directly impacted by social injustices to build their leadership skills and mobilize them to take action on issues affecting their lives. Through grassroots campaigns and advocacy efforts at local, state, and national levels, VOCAL-NY has been able to achieve significant policy wins that have improved the lives of thousands of New Yorkers.
Another key area of focus for VOCAL-NY is harm reduction. The organization recognizes that drug use is a public health issue rather than a criminal justice one. As such, it advocates for policies that prioritize harm reduction strategies such as syringe exchange programs and overdose prevention sites over punitive measures like mass incarceration.
In addition to its advocacy work on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment issues related to drug use and mass incarceration reform efforts; VOCAL-NY also provides direct services such as legal support services through its Legal Services Program which helps individuals navigate complex legal systems related to housing discrimination or eviction proceedings among others.
The impact of VOCAL-NY's work can be seen in various ways across New York City communities where it operates. For instance:
- In 2019 alone; over 1 million syringes were distributed through its Syringe Exchange Program.
- Over 2 million meals were served through its Food Access Program.
- Over $1 billion was secured towards affordable housing initiatives through its Housing Justice Campaigns.
- More than 10 thousand people received free legal assistance from its Legal Services Program.
Overall; VOCAL-NY's mission remains steadfast - building power among people affected by HIV/AIDS; drug use; mass incarceration - so they can create healthy & just communities together!