You can request outreach for homeless individuals who consistently stay in the same location.

The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) defines chronic homelessness as someone living on the streets for 9 months out of the last 2 years.

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.

Throughout the year, DHS operates five "service and support buses" strategically placed at locations throughout the City. These buses provide unsheltered individuals with temporary respite from outdoor conditions at night.  They serve as warm locations during colder weather and cooler locations during warmer weather.

Staff are on-site to engage each individual and provide additional information about the full range of services available to them.

Service and support buses are located at:

Bronx

Lincoln Hospital
234 East 149th Street
Bronx, NY 10451 
Accessible via Subway: 4/5 train to 149 Street-Grand Concourse Station

Manhattan

Penn Station
Corner of 34th Street and 7th Avenue  
Accessible via Subway: A/C/E train to 34 Street/Penn Station 

Bellevue Hospital
East 30th Street between FDR Drive and 1st Avenue  
Accessible via Subway: 6 train to 28 Street Station  

Queens

Queens Hospital Center
82-68 164th Street
Jamaica, NY, 11432
Accessible via Subway: F train to Parsons Boulevard Station  

Elmhurst Hospital Center
79-01 Broadway
Queens, NY, 11373
Accessible via Subway: 7 train to 82 Street Station