You've found yourself in an unimaginable situation: homeless in New York City. The immediate feelings of panic, fear, and uncertainty are overwhelming, but it's crucial to know that there are systems and people in place to help. New York City has a "Right to Shelter," meaning the city is legally obligated to provide shelter to anyone who qualifies.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take if you find yourself without a place to stay in NYC.
First Steps: What to Do Immediately
Don't Panic, But Act Quickly: While the situation is dire, try to remain calm. The quicker you engage with the city's resources, the sooner you can get connected to shelter and support.
Ensure Your Safety: If you are in immediate danger or feel unsafe, call 911.
Identify Your Category: The type of shelter and intake process you'll go through depends on your living situation:
Single Adult Men
Single Adult Women
Adult Families (couples or multiple adults, no minor children)
Families with Children (including pregnant individuals)
Youth (ages 16-24)
Where to Go: NYC Shelter Intake Centers
The NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) operates specific intake centers for each category. You must go to the correct center to apply for shelter. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
For Families with Children (including pregnant individuals):
Prevention Assistance and Temporary Housing (PATH) Office
Location: 151 East 151st Street, Bronx, NY 10451
Hours: Open 24/7. Application processing is generally 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays.
What to expect: This is the central intake for families. You will be interviewed to determine your eligibility for shelter. They may also explore options to prevent you from entering shelter, such as connecting you with rent arrears assistance (like CityFHEPS) or mediation. All family members, including children, generally need to be present.
For Single Adult Men:
30th Street Intake Center
Location: 400-430 East 30th Street (at 1st Avenue), Manhattan, NY 10016
Hours: Open 24/7.
For Single Adult Women:
Franklin Shelter
Location: 1122 Franklin Avenue, Bronx, NY 10456
HELP Women's Center
Location: 104-152 Williams Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207
Hours: Both open 24/7.
For Adult Families (no children under 21):
Adult Family Intake Center (AFIC)
Location: 400-430 East 30th Street (at 1st Avenue), Manhattan, NY 10016 (located within the 30th Street Men's Shelter complex).
Hours: Open 24/7.
For Youth (ages 16-24):
Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) Drop-in Centers: These centers are operated by the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). You can find a list by calling 311 or visiting the DYCD website. They offer safe havens and can help connect youth to shelter.
What to Bring to the Intake Center: Documentation
While you won't be turned away for not having documents, having them can significantly speed up the intake process. Bring anything you have that proves your identity and living situation:
Identification: Photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, welfare ID card, green card).
Proof of Age: Birth certificate.
Social Security Card: For all household members.
Medicaid Card: If you have one.
Proof of Income: Recent pay stubs, benefits statements, etc., if applicable.
Proof of Homelessness/Last Residence: Eviction papers, marshal's notice, lease, utility bills, a letter from someone you were staying with.
Beyond Intake: Additional Resources and Support
Once you've applied for shelter, other critical services can help stabilize your situation:
Drop-In Centers: These centers are often 24/7 and provide immediate relief for street homeless individuals. They offer:
Hot meals and clothing
Showers and laundry facilities
Resting areas
Counseling and case management
Connections to healthcare (medical and mental health)
Help with job searches or benefits applications
Examples: Mainchance (Manhattan), The Living Room (Bronx), The Gathering Place (Brooklyn), Olivieri Center (Manhattan). Call 311 for a list of locations near you.
Safe Havens: These are low-threshold transitional housing options for chronically homeless individuals who may be reluctant to use traditional shelters. They often have fewer rules, more privacy, and intensive case management aimed at moving individuals into permanent housing.
Street Outreach Teams: If you see someone who appears to be homeless and in need of assistance on the streets, call 311 and request outreach assistance. Trained teams will respond to engage the individual and offer services. For immediate danger, call 911.
Legal Aid: Organizations like The Legal Aid Society and Legal Services NYC provide free legal assistance to low-income individuals and families facing housing issues. If you were recently evicted or believe your eviction was unlawful, contact them.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services: Many shelters and drop-in centers offer on-site or referral services for mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment.
What Happens in Shelter
Once admitted to a shelter, you'll work with a case manager to develop a housing plan. This includes:
Seeking Permanent Housing: Your primary goal will be to find stable, permanent housing. This often involves applying for housing lotteries, exploring supportive housing options, or receiving rental assistance vouchers (like CityFHEPS).
Applying for Benefits: Maintaining eligibility for public assistance (Cash Assistance, SNAP, Medicaid) is often required.
Employment/Education: If able, you will be encouraged to seek employment or educational opportunities.
Following Shelter Rules: Shelters have rules and curfews that you must adhere to.
Remember: You Have Rights
As a homeless individual or family in NYC, you have the Right to Shelter. This means the city cannot deny you shelter if you meet the eligibility criteria, and you have the right to a safe and clean environment. If you feel your rights are being violated, speak to a supervisor at the intake center or shelter, or contact a legal aid organization.
Finding yourself homeless is a traumatic event, but it's not a dead end. By knowing these steps and connecting with the available resources, you can begin the journey towards regaining stability and securing permanent housing in New York City.
Facing housing instability? LawHax provides clear information and legal tools to help NYC tenants understand their rights and navigate complex housing challenges.
Explore resources at LawHax.com to prevent homelessness and protect your home.
