Homeless Assistance

Call 911

Call 911 if a person is:

On the subway tracks
Creating a hazard, such as blocking a sidewalk or ATM
Creating a danger to themselves or others

Need something else?

Homeless Assistance for Family Member or Friend to learn how to help a family member or friend living on the street

If you are currently homeless and need help, visit:

Homeless Shelters to apply for emergency shelter
Homeless Drop-In Centers to get food, clothing, shower and laundry facilities, and other services
Pathway Home Program to learn about financial assistance to help homeless families move out of shelters and stay with family members or friends
Homeless Shelter Resident Assistance for homeless individuals currently in the shelter system who need help

Code Blue is in effect. Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) to request help for a homeless person.

The DHS Joint Command Center (formerly known as HOME-STAT) works with existing homeless outreach and prevention programs to identify, engage, and transition homeless New Yorkers to services and, ultimately, permanent housing.

The DHS Joint Command Center:

Conducts daily canvassing of City streets and subways
Responds rapidly to requests for homeless assistance made to 311
Provides a case management system to monitor those who are mentally ill with a history of violent behaviors

Learn more about DHS Joint Command Center.

During Code Blue, Code Red, and Code Grey, outreach teams check on people who live on the streets and in the subway more frequently. Homeless people may also stay at any Department of Homeless Services shelter or drop-in center without going through the normal intake process.

Code Blue

When the temperature is 32 degrees or lower, including wind chill values, the City follows Code Blue procedures from 4 PM to 8 AM.

Code Red

When the temperature reaches a heat index of 90 degrees, or when an excessive heat warning is issued, the City follows Code Red procedures.

Code Grey

When the Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecast to be 201 or greater, the City follows Code Grey procedures until the AQI Advisory, Watch, or Warning has ended.

Street Health Outreach and Wellness (SHOW) is a street medicine program that brings medical care, behavioral health resources, harm reduction, and material goods to New Yorkers who are homeless.

Services include:

Basic evaluation of symptoms or health concerns and treatment including wound care
Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for substance use disorders, including connection to medication-assisted treatment and additional support
Overdose training and Narcan kit distribution
Hygiene kits, reusable bags, snacks, and water

Learn more about SHOW hours and locations.

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Knowledge Article

IP Address

Homeless Assistance

Street Outreach

Code Blue, Code Red, and Code Grey

Street Health Outreach and Wellness (SHOW)

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