A Sacred Network of Mutual Aid
New York
Resources & Refuge
"You are not alone. Whatever has brought you here, there is help across the Empire State — from the five boroughs to Buffalo to the North Country. Shelter, food, healing, and hands ready to hold yours. Begin wherever you need to."
Immediate Help in New York
Find Help Now
Real, currently operating resources across New York State. Choose a path below — each holds verified shelters, programs, and organizations ready to help today.
The Sanctuary
Emergency shelter and a safe place to rest across New York.
NYC: You Have a Right to Shelter
City: New York City (5 boroughs)
Services: By law, NYC must provide shelter to anyone who is homeless. Families with children under 21 (or pregnant) apply at the PATH center in the Bronx; adults are placed through intake centers
Notes: Dial 311 to start. Immigration status does not affect eligibility, and interpreters are available.
Phone: Dial 311 · PATH (families): 718-503-6400
Address: PATH, 151 East 151st St, Bronx, NY 10451
Coalition for the Homeless
City: New York City
Services: Crisis intervention, help if you're denied shelter, eviction prevention, and direct services — the nation's oldest homeless-advocacy organization
Notes: If you have trouble getting a shelter bed, call the Crisis Intervention line: 1-888-358-2384.
Buffalo City Mission
City: Buffalo
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, clothing, and recovery programs for men, women, and families in Western New York
Notes: A cornerstone of Buffalo's safety net for over a century.
Website: buffalocitymission.org
Open Door Mission
City: Rochester
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, and addiction-recovery programs serving the Rochester area
Notes: Provides free meals open to the community as well as shelter beds.
Website: opendoormission.com
Rescue Mission Alliance
City: Syracuse
Services: Emergency shelter, daily meals, and supportive services across Central New York
Notes: Serves Syracuse and surrounding counties with shelter and food.
Website: rescuemissionalliance.org
NY 211 & Coordinated Entry
City: Statewide (outside NYC)
Services: 24/7 help finding a shelter bed and the door to housing programs through your county's coordinated entry
Notes: Dial 211 anywhere upstate or on Long Island. In NYC, dial 311.
Phone: Dial 211
In NYC, no one should be left without shelter — dial 311, and call the Coalition (1-888-358-2384) if you're turned away. Upstate, dial 211. In winter, Code Blue brings extra beds statewide.
Bread of Life
Food banks, pantries, and meals across New York.
Food Bank For New York City
City: New York City
Services: The city's major hunger-relief organization, supplying soup kitchens and food pantries across all five boroughs
Notes: Use the online food-locator to find a pantry or community kitchen near you.
Website: foodbanknyc.org
Hunger Solutions New York
City: Statewide
Services: Free SNAP screening and application help, plus the NYS Food Connect map to find pantries and meals near you
Notes: Call or text the SNAP Helpline at 844-366-3435.
Phone: 844-366-3435
Website: hungersolutionsny.org
Regional Food Banks
City: Upstate & Long Island
Services: Foodlink (Rochester), FeedMore WNY (Buffalo), Food Bank of Central NY (Syracuse), and the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY (Albany)
Notes: Each supplies hundreds of local pantries. Dial 211 to find the nearest distribution.
Phone: Dial 211
SNAP — Food Benefits
City: Statewide
Services: Monthly benefits to buy groceries — the most reliable, ongoing food help available
Notes: Apply at myBenefits.ny.gov. OTDA Hotline: 1-800-342-3009. See The Providence.
Website: myBenefits.ny.gov
SNAP stretches further than any pantry — see The Providence to apply, and you can use a shelter as your address. Homeless applicants may qualify for expedited benefits.
The Healing Hand
Free and low-cost clinics, behavioral health, and care for people without stable housing.
NYC Health + Hospitals
City: New York City
Services: The city's public hospital system — medical, dental, and behavioral care for everyone, regardless of insurance or immigration status
Notes: The NYC Care program offers low- and no-cost care for those who don't qualify for insurance. Call 311.
Website: nychealthandhospitals.org
Care For the Homeless
City: New York City
Services: A health center built for people experiencing homelessness — medical, behavioral health, and care at shelters and clinics
Notes: Care is provided regardless of ability to pay or housing status.
Website: careforthehomeless.org
Community Health Centers (FQHCs)
City: Statewide
Services: Sliding-scale medical, dental, and behavioral health care across New York, regardless of ability to pay
Notes: Health centers serve every region. Dial 211 (or 311 in NYC) to find the nearest.
Phone: Dial 211
Medicaid & NY State of Health
City: Statewide
Services: Free or low-cost health coverage for eligible New Yorkers, with broad Medicaid eligibility
Notes: Apply any time at the NY State of Health marketplace, or by phone at 1-855-355-5777.
Website: nystateofhealth.ny.gov
For a mental-health or substance-use crisis, call or text 988 anytime — free, confidential, 24/7.
The Haven
Drop-in centers, weather shelter, and outreach for those sleeping outside.
Drop-In Centers (NYC)
City: New York City
Services: 24-hour centers offering a safe place to rest, meals, showers, and help connecting to shelter — no appointment needed
Notes: Open to everyone. Dial 311 for the nearest drop-in center.
Phone: Dial 311
Code Blue & Warming Centers
City: Statewide (winter)
Services: When temperatures drop to freezing, Code Blue brings everyone indoors — outreach teams seek out those outside and warming sites open
Notes: No one should be left in the cold. Dial 311 in NYC or 211 upstate for the nearest warming site.
Phone: Dial 211 (311 in NYC)
Street Outreach
City: New York City & beyond
Services: Outreach teams who meet people sleeping on the street or subway and connect them to shelter, healthcare, and services
Notes: In NYC, call 311 to request outreach for yourself or someone you're worried about. After Grants Pass v. Johnson (2024), camping rules vary — but in NYC a shelter bed is your right.
Phone: Dial 311
New York winters are dangerous to sleep through outdoors. If you have nowhere safe to go, dial 311 (NYC) or 211 (upstate) — and remember, in NYC you have a legal right to a shelter bed.
Living Waters
Showers, meals, restrooms, and day-service access through drop-in centers and missions.
Drop-In Centers
City: New York City
Services: Showers, restrooms, laundry, meals, and a place to rest during the day — without needing to enter the shelter system first
Notes: A low-barrier door to hygiene and help. Dial 311 to find the nearest.
Phone: Dial 311
The Bowery Mission
City: New York City
Services: Hot meals, showers, clothing, and medical care at its historic Bowery location
Notes: Serving New Yorkers in need for over 140 years. Walk-in meals daily.
Address: 227 Bowery, New York, NY 10002
Website: bowery.org
Day Services at the Missions
City: Buffalo, Rochester & Syracuse
Services: Showers, hygiene supplies, and basic-need access alongside meals at the upstate rescue missions
Notes: See The Sanctuary for locations. Dial 211 for hours.
Phone: Dial 211
Hygiene and day-service access shifts by site and season. 311 (NYC) and 211 (upstate) keep the most current list of open drop-in centers and showers near you.
The Guardian
Free civil legal aid — your rights around shelter, eviction, benefits, and safety.
Legal Aid Society — Homeless Rights
City: New York City
Services: Free legal help enforcing your right to shelter, plus emergency housing, benefits, and relocation assistance
Notes: Homeless Rights Helpline: 800-649-9125 (phone intake Tuesdays 10am–12pm; emergencies any time).
Phone: 800-649-9125
Website: legalaidnyc.org
Legal Services NYC
City: New York City
Services: Free civil legal help with eviction defense, housing conditions, benefits, and family matters in all five boroughs
Notes: NYC tenants facing eviction may qualify for a free attorney through Right to Counsel.
Website: legalservicesnyc.org
LawHelpNY
City: Statewide (online)
Services: Free legal information, self-help guides, hotline directory, and a tool to find the legal-aid office for your county
Notes: A clear starting point for understanding your rights anywhere in New York.
Website: lawhelpny.org
Upstate Civil Legal Aid
City: Upstate & Long Island
Services: Free civil legal aid through Legal Assistance of Western NY, Empire Justice Center, and regional Legal Aid societies
Notes: Find your local provider through LawHelpNY or by dialing 211.
Phone: Dial 211
Facing eviction? New York has strong tenant protections, and NYC was the first city in the nation to guarantee tenants a lawyer. Don't ignore court papers — get legal help right away.
The Providence
Government benefits — food, health coverage, cash assistance, and emergency help.
myBenefits (NY OTDA)
City: Statewide
Services: Screen and apply for SNAP (food), HEAP energy help, and Temporary Assistance cash — all in one place
Notes: No permanent address required — you can use a shelter. Homeless applicants may qualify for expedited SNAP. OTDA Hotline: 1-800-342-3009.
Phone: 1-800-342-3009
Website: myBenefits.ny.gov
ACCESS HRA (NYC)
City: New York City
Services: Apply for SNAP, Cash Assistance, and Medicaid, and manage your case — for NYC residents
Notes: HRA Infoline: 718-557-1399. SNAP questions: 718-SNAP-NOW (718-762-7669).
Phone: 718-557-1399
Website: access.nyc.gov
Social Security Administration
City: Statewide
Services: SSI and SSDI disability benefits, retirement, and survivor benefits
Notes: You can apply without a permanent address. Ask about expedited SSI if you're homeless.
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Website: ssa.gov
New York 211
City: Statewide
Services: Free, confidential help finding any benefit, program, or service in New York
Notes: Dial 211 upstate or on Long Island; dial 311 in NYC. Also connects to HEAP energy and rent help.
Phone: Dial 211
If your benefits are denied or wrongly cut, Legal Aid and Legal Services (see The Guardian) can help you appeal for free.
The Shepherd
Faith-based and community organizations offering food, shelter, and warm support.
The Bowery Mission
City: New York City
Services: Meals, shelter, showers, clothing, medical care, and recovery programs at several NYC locations
Notes: One of the country's oldest rescue missions. All are welcome at the table.
Address: 227 Bowery, New York, NY 10002
Website: bowery.org
New York City Rescue Mission
City: New York City
Services: Emergency shelter, meals, showers, and clothing in lower Manhattan
Notes: New York's oldest rescue mission, serving since 1872.
Website: nycrescue.org
Catholic Charities of New York
City: Statewide (diocesan)
Services: Emergency food, rent and utility assistance, immigrant services, and housing help across the state's dioceses
Notes: Serving people of all faiths. NYC helpline: 888-744-7900.
Website: catholiccharitiesny.org
The Salvation Army
City: Statewide
Services: Shelter, meals, food pantries, and emergency assistance across New York
Notes: Local corps in cities and towns statewide. Find the nearest through 211.
Website: salvationarmyusa.org
Many New York congregations quietly help neighbors beyond what's listed here. If you have a home community, ask — and 211 (or 311 in NYC) can connect you to faith-based aid near you.
Know Where You Stand
New York Rights & Laws
A plain-language look at the laws that affect people experiencing homelessness in New York.
The Right to Shelter
New York City is one of the only places in America with a legal right to shelter. If you are homeless in NYC, the city must provide you a safe, decent place to stay.
This right comes from Callahan v. Carey (1981) and Article XVII of the State Constitution, which says the aid and care of the needy "shall be provided." It has helped more than a million New Yorkers off the streets.
If you're denied a bed, call the Coalition's Crisis line (1-888-358-2384) or the Legal Aid Homeless Rights Helpline (800-649-9125).
The Right to an Eviction Attorney
New York City was the first city in the nation to guarantee low-income tenants a free lawyer when facing eviction (Universal Access to Counsel).
- Statewide, the 2019 tenant-protection law strengthened renters' rights
- A landlord must go through court — lockouts are illegal
- You have the right to notice and a hearing
- Call Legal Services NYC or LawHelpNY right away
Food & Benefits Without an Address
You do not need a permanent address to get SNAP in New York. You can list a shelter or where you usually stay.
- Homeless applicants may qualify for expedited SNAP
- Apply at myBenefits.ny.gov, or ACCESS HRA in NYC
- Free help from Hunger Solutions NY: 844-366-3435
- Immigration status doesn't affect emergency shelter eligibility
Protections for Survivors
New York offers strong protections and emergency shelter for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
- NYS DV & Sexual Violence Hotline: 1-800-942-6906 (text 844-997-2121)
- In NYC, the 24/7 NYC HOPE line: 1-800-621-4673
- Emergency DV shelter is available through HRA
- An Address Confidentiality Program helps shield your location
Across the Empire State
Help by Region
Resources reach across New York. Here's where to start in some of the larger communities.
New York City
Five Boroughs
The right to shelter, the Coalition for the Homeless, PATH (families), Food Bank For NYC, NYC Health + Hospitals, and the Legal Aid Homeless Rights Project.
Start: Dial 311, or the Coalition Crisis line 1-888-358-2384.
Long Island
Nassau & Suffolk
The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, plus Island Harvest and Long Island Cares food banks.
Start: Dial 211 for Long Island shelter and food.
Hudson Valley
Westchester to the Capital
Catholic Charities, county Departments of Social Services, and regional food banks serve the mid-Hudson and lower Hudson Valley.
Start: Dial 211 for Hudson Valley resources.
Capital Region
Albany, Schenectady, Troy
Capital City Rescue Mission, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY, and the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York.
Start: Dial 211 for the Capital Region.
Central NY & Finger Lakes
Syracuse & Rochester
Rescue Mission Alliance (Syracuse), Open Door Mission (Rochester), Foodlink, and the Food Bank of Central New York.
Start: Dial 211 for Central NY and the Finger Lakes.
Western New York
Buffalo & Niagara
Buffalo City Mission, the WNY Coalition for the Homeless, and FeedMore WNY anchor services in the west.
Start: Dial 211 for Western New York.
Pathways Forward
New York Programs
Larger initiatives that move people from crisis toward stable housing.
CityFHEPS & Housing Vouchers
Through: NYC HRA & local housing authorities
Helps with: Rental-assistance vouchers (CityFHEPS in NYC, Section 8 statewide) that help people leave shelter for stable housing.
Start: Ask your shelter case manager or HRA (718-557-1399); upstate, dial 211.
Homebase — Homelessness Prevention
Through: NYC DHS & community partners
Helps with: Help staying in your home — rental arrears, mediation with landlords, and emergency funds to prevent eviction.
Start: Call 311 and ask for the nearest Homebase office.
Coordinated Entry & Continuums of Care
Through: Each region's Continuum of Care
Helps with: A single assessment that prioritizes you for available housing and supportive-housing programs in your community.
Start: Dial 211 (311 in NYC) to be connected.
Find Help Near You
Resource Map
An interactive map of New York resources is on its way as the Network grows.
Interactive Map — Coming Soon
Soon this map will plot shelters, food, clinics, hygiene sites, and warming centers near your location across New York.
Until then, dial 211 (or 311 in NYC) anytime for live, location-based help — or choose a city to be pointed in the right direction.
The Network Grows
Angel Outreach in New York
Beyond these public resources, the Angel Network is preparing its own offerings for people in need across New York.
Angel Offerings — Gathering
As angels gather and The Chalice fills, Hope & Grace will extend direct blessings, partner outreach, and community support to souls right here in New York.
These offerings will appear here as the Network grows. If you are in need today, please request a blessing — and lean on the verified resources above in the meantime.
You Are Not Alone
However You Arrived Here
Whether you need shelter tonight or hope to one day become an angel for someone else — there is a place for you in this Network.