Rochester City Council President Releases Report on Homelessness Crisis
Rochester City Council President Miguel A. Meléndez Jr. has released a comprehensive 390-page report addressing the escalating homelessness crisis in the region. The report, unveiled on February 9, 2026, outlines a strategic approach to improve outcomes for unhoused residents and enhance the quality of life across neighborhoods. It highlights eight key recommendations, including the expansion of the Peace Village 2.0 model, increasing low-barrier shelter options, and supporting a housing-first continuum. The report emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts at city, county, state, and federal levels to address service gaps and pilot innovative solutions. According to the report, 158,019 people experienced homelessness in New York State in 2024, with 1,194 unhoused individuals in Rochester and Monroe County as of January 2025.