Shelters in New York: How to Apply for Temporary Housing

If you lack housing or are facing a housing crisis in New York, you can apply for shelter. You can also receive assistance finding stable housing through the Department of Homeless Services (DHS).

Admission centers for homeless individuals exist to help you avoid ending up on the street. They offer temporary shelter whenever you need it, without unnecessary delays.

For the city’s Hispanic community, knowing about these resources can make a real difference. Many families are unaware that they have the right to this support, regardless of their immigration status.

What you must do once you are in the shelter

Entering a shelter is not the end of the process, but the beginning of a plan. Once inside, you will need to complete several steps to move toward permanent housing.

You must develop a concrete plan to move to stable housing in the near future. You will also need to apply for and maintain your eligibility to receive public assistance.

If you are able to work, you must seek and maintain employment. Additionally, it is mandatory to follow the internal rules of each shelter to maintain your place in the system.

The role of intake centers (DIC)

Before reaching a formal shelter, many people first pass through an intake center, known by its English acronym DIC. These centers offer immediate support for getting off the street.

Services they provide include hot meals and warm clothing. They also have facilities for showering and doing laundry, something essential for maintaining dignity during a crisis.

DICs offer counseling, case management, and medical care connections. They also assist with job searching, benefit applications, and transitional housing options.

Your immigration status does not affect your eligibility for any of these services. If you do not speak English, interpreters are available at all centers to assist you during the process.

Requirements and documents for submitting an application

To apply for shelter, you must visit an admission center and speak about your eligibility with the appropriate staff. Intake centers are open to everyone, without exception.

It is recommended that you bring all available documentation. A photo ID, your Social Security card, and proof of income will greatly facilitate the admission process.

Registration takes place in person at the admission center that corresponds to your family situation. These centers operate 24 hours, seven days a week, including holidays.

Where to go depending on your family situation

Admission centers vary depending on family composition. It is essential to go to the correct location to avoid unnecessary delays in the process.

Single adult men over 18 years old should go to 8 East 3rd Street in Manhattan. This center recently replaced the former admission point located on 30th Street.

Single adult women, also over 18 years old, have two options available. They can go to Franklin Shelter at 1122 Franklin Avenue in the Bronx, or to Help Women’s Center at 114 Snediker Avenue in Brooklyn.

Adult families without minors under 21 must report to 333 Bowery in Manhattan. This center is also part of the city’s recent reorganization of admission points.

Families with children under 21, or pregnant women, should go to the Office of Preventive Assistance and Temporary Housing (PATH). This office is located at 151 East 151st Street in the Bronx.

Other options and how to get additional help

Intake centers are available in all five boroughs of the city for those needing immediate support. Each borough has at least one option nearby to handle urgent cases.

Young people under 24 who have run away from home or lack housing can go to specialized intake centers for youth. These spaces are specifically designed for their particular situation.

If you are at risk of losing your current housing, you can contact Homebase before the crisis worsens. This program works in prevention, not just emergency response.

For more information about shelters or directions, you can call 311 at any time. The service is available to answer questions about the complete application process.

Staying informed about these resources and sharing them with neighbors and family members can help more people in housing crisis find the support they need in time.

It is recommended that you go to the appropriate center as soon as possible at any sign of a housing crisis. Waiting too long can complicate the process and reduce available options for each family.

It is also advisable to keep copies of personal documents in a safe and accessible place. Having this information organized will greatly speed up the initial assessment at any of the admission centers.