How to Access Homeless Shelters in New York City

NYC has a legal right to shelter. Entry is coordinated by the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) through designated intake centers.

Primary Pathways

1. Single Adults (18+)

Go to a DHS Intake Center (one per borough):

• Manhattan: 30th St. Intake (400 E 30th St)
• Bronx: Prevention Assistance & Temporary Housing (PATH) – 151 E 151st St
• Brooklyn: 1122 Franklin Ave
• Queens: 126-02 82nd Ave, Kew Gardens
• Staten Island: 514 Bay St

Open 24/7. Bring ID, proof of NYC residence (if any), medical/mental health docs. You'll be screened, assigned a case manager, and placed in a shelter (often same day).

2. Families with Children

Go to PATH (Bronx) – the only family intake center. Open 24/7. Same process; placed in family shelter (Tier II) or hotel.

3. Youth (16–24)

Youth Reception Center – 30th St. Intake (Manhattan) or call 311 for referral to youth-specific shelters (e.g., Covenant House, Ali Forney, The Door).

4. Specialized Needs

• Mental health / substance use: Referral to specialized shelters (e.g., BRC, Project Renewal).
• Physical disability: Request ADA-accessible placement at intake.
• Domestic violence: Call 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) for DV shelter (confidential locations).

Alternative Entry

• Call 311 (24/7) – telephonic screening & referral.
• Hospital / jail / foster care discharge planners can initiate placement.

Key Documents to Bring

ID, Social Security card, birth certificates (kids), Medicaid card, medication list, proof of income/benefits, shelter history letters.

Right to Shelter: If denied, ask for a "fair hearing" or contact Legal Aid Society / Coalition for the Homeless.