If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness If you are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness, contact your local Department of Social Services. Homebase is a homeless prevention network with 23 locations in the 5 boroughs of New York City. When you go to Homebase, they’ll gather information to determine if you’re eligible for their services and discuss your concerns. The staff will work with you to ensure that you have access to the necessary resources and, if you sign up for Homebase services, they will develop a plan with you to address your concerns.
Single men should apply for shelter in person at the 30th Street Admission Center, 400-430 East 30th Street in Manhattan. The entrance is on 30th Street and First Avenue. Families with children must apply at the PATH (Prevention Assistance and Temporary Housing) Office, and all family members must be present at intake. The shelter is open 24 hours a day, every day of the week, including holidays. If you don’t currently have housing, call 311 for help with emergency housing or learn more from the New York City Department of Homeless Services.
During intake and eligibility determination, adults must bring identification, and single women, including pregnant women, have designated intake centers. Applicants are accepted based on meeting specific requirements, and eligibility is determined at the intake process.
The main intake centers are located in Manhattan and the Bronx, NY, making them accessible to those in need throughout the city.
HomelessCantStayHome asks the City to immediately open individual hotel rooms for all homeless New Yorkers who need them. The following organizations provide rent assistance and emergency housing for the homeless. All New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) centers have interpretation services available for people who don’t speak English. The city’s high demand and low supply of housing are making it difficult for homeless New Yorkers looking for housing to compete with an already competitive market.
Life on the streets presents daily struggles for people living without stable housing, impacting their health and overall well-being. Many face trouble accessing basic needs, and the danger of living unsheltered can be constant. It is important to identify when someone is in immediate danger and respond appropriately, including calling for help if necessary.
After weeks of inaction by Mayor de Blasio, City Council Speaker Johnson, a member of Councilmember Levin, introduced a bill to protect homeless New Yorkers during COVID-19. McNally hopes that the homeless crisis will improve, but fears that with the current immigration crisis and rising rents, things could get worse for people like Lee. Other cities and states have already started implementing plans to offer hotel rooms to people who are homeless (whether or not they are sick with COVID-19), including in Connecticut and New Orleans. While many homeless New Yorkers are trying to survive on the streets or in dorm-type shelters where social distancing is simply impossible, the city is full of empty hotels. Municipal rent subsidies must also be increased to reflect rents in New York City and must be available to all homeless people so that homeless New Yorkers can find permanent homes and move.
More than 21,000 homeless New Yorkers are currently sleeping head to toe in dorm-type shelters and thousands are sleeping on the streets and on the subway with nowhere to shower. When describing people experiencing homelessness, it is important to acknowledge people living on the streets and to respect their need for sleep and privacy. The mayor’s announcement offers to move 2,500 people to hotels, even though 30,000 rooms are needed to protect the homeless. Many nonprofit organizations have a relationship with the city and provide services, in addition to shelter, to people who are homeless. Organizations often provide resource cards or open their doors to those in need, and offering a small gift or practical item can be very helpful, especially if requested by the recipient. While hundreds of thousands of apartments and hotel rooms are left empty and New Yorkers are being told to stay at home, thousands of homeless New Yorkers have no safe place to stay.
Support networks are vital—friends and neighbors can make a significant difference by providing emotional support and a sense of community. In group shelters or communal living, respecting group dynamics and personal space is essential. When you encounter people living on the street, acknowledging them and engaging respectfully can be meaningful. The power of offering support without exerting control fosters hope and empowerment.
In crisis and emergency situations, it is important to differentiate between trouble and danger, and to respond appropriately—sometimes by calling for professional help. Being able to identify signs of distress and responding with compassion is crucial for supporting mental health and wellness. Access to health services is closely connected to overall stability and recovery.
Compassionate action can make a real difference in someone's life. The stories and journeys of individuals overcoming homelessness highlight resilience and hope. Community organizations encourage everyone to join efforts to support the homeless, and when providing items or support, always ask if help is requested and whether the assistance is helpful.
For the latest updates and data on homelessness in NYC, consult the most recent CUCS report.
Introduction to Homelessness in New York City
Homelessness in New York City is a deeply rooted and urgent challenge, impacting thousands of individuals and homeless families across all five boroughs. The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) leads the city’s efforts to provide homeless services, including emergency and temporary housing, to those in crisis. Despite these efforts, the ongoing shortage of affordable housing and limited prevention programs make it difficult for many New Yorkers to secure a safe and stable home. To truly solve homelessness, it’s essential to address the underlying causes—such as poverty, lack of affordable housing, and barriers to healthcare and social services. By understanding the scope of homelessness and the range of services available, New Yorkers can work together to create lasting solutions and a more compassionate city for everyone in need.
Finding Shelters and Emergency Housing
If you or someone you know needs immediate shelter, the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) operates several intake centers throughout New York City, offering a safe place to stay and access to essential services. These centers provide temporary housing, nutritious food, and connections to other support programs, helping individuals and families stabilize during a difficult time. To find a shelter or emergency housing, you can visit the DHS website or call NYC311 for guidance. The shelter system is open to all, regardless of immigration status, and accommodations are available for people with disabilities. By offering a supportive environment and a pathway to more permanent housing solutions, NYC shelters play a vital role in helping New Yorkers move forward from homelessness.
Assistance for Homeless Families
Homeless families in NYC have access to a comprehensive network of support designed to address their unique needs. The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) operates family shelters and offers prevention assistance to help families at risk of losing their homes. In addition, organizations like the Coalition for the Homeless provide advocacy, guidance, and support services to help families navigate the shelter system and secure affordable housing. These programs focus on more than just shelter—they also connect families to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, helping them build a foundation for long-term stability. By addressing the specific challenges faced by homeless families, these services empower parents and children to rebuild their lives and break the cycle of homelessness.
NYC311 Services: Your First Step to Help
NYC311 is a crucial resource for anyone seeking help with homelessness or related challenges. By calling 311 or visiting the NYC311 website, individuals and families can quickly access information about prevention programs, temporary housing, shelter options, and a wide range of support services. NYC311 staff can guide you through the process of finding food, healthcare, and other assistance, as well as help you navigate the shelter intake system. This single point of contact makes it easier for New Yorkers to get the help they need, whether they are facing a housing crisis or looking for long-term solutions. With NYC311, support is just a call or click away, helping people find hope and stability during difficult times.
Community Resources and Support Networks
Beyond city-run programs, New York City is home to a strong network of community organizations dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness. Groups like the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) and the Coalition for the Homeless offer a wide range of services, from housing assistance and job training to healthcare and wellness programs. These community resources provide a critical safety net, helping individuals and families access the support they need to regain stability and independence. By working together, these organizations and support networks play a key role in solving homelessness—one person, one family, and one story at a time. Ultimately, their efforts help create a more compassionate and supportive city for all New Yorkers.
