ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A new report from the NYS Comptroller's Office saw an increase in the homeless population in Rochester and New York State. The report says the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in the Rochester area rose to 1,056 people in 2024. The report says this was a 41% increase from 2022. The region also saw a 51% increase in homeless people under 18 years old. New York City, according to the report, still has the highest number of homelessness in the state, with over 140,000 people facing homelessness. Overall, the entire state saw an increase in homelessness between January 2023 and January 2024 — the report says the number jumped 53.1%. New York has the third-largest number of homeless individuals in the nation, only beaten by Washington D.C. and Hawaii. The report points to the influx of asylum seekers being a primary reason for this growth, saying they account for 88% of the statewide increase. Other reasons include affordability issues, rent increases, and more eviction proceedings. According to the report, it is recommended that New York State should continue funding for legal representation for low-income households. Full NYS Comptroller's Report new-yorkers-in-need-homelessness-nysDownload