NYC has a “right to shelter” law, which means that any person seeking temporary housing must receive it. Still, there is not always enough space, nor do people always feel safe within shelters.
File a homeless shelter complaint
Support organizations that prioritize relationship-building – like Breaking Ground. Breaking Ground conducts street-level outreach and builds relationships with people experiencing homelessness to support them to find stable, safe housing.
The Center for Urban Community Services is another great organization who works to find permanent housing solutions for people experiencing homelessness. Their Janian Medical Care Team provides psychiatric and medical care to those living on the street, and can especially support people with mental illness and who are dealing with substance abuse.NYC also has a Mobile Crisis Team who can provide emergency support. You can call NYC WELL at 888-NYC-WELL (692-9355) for crisis intervention, or referrals.
For Runaway and Homeless Youth: The NYC Department of Youth and Community Development is continuing to provide services for young people in Runaway and Homeless Youth Residences and Drop-In Centers. If you have questions about programming or service modifications, call DYCD Youth Connect at (800) 246-4646 or (646) 343-6800 or email DYCDCOVID19@dycd.nyc.gov.
Resources for the Homeless: