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Homeless services and shelters
Homeless Intake Shelters & Drop-In Centers (DICs) | NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS)
1. How it Works
Help is available to those experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis.
Homeless Intake Centers offer services to help you avoid homelessness, and temporary shelter as a last resort.
- There are different intake centers for:
- Single adults (ages 18+)
- Adult families (without children under 21)
- Families with children. This includes:
- families with children younger than 21
- pregnant women
- families with pregnant women
- Once you’re in shelter, you have certain responsibilities including:
- Developing a plan to leave shelter and move into permanent housing
- Applying and maintaining eligibility for Public Assistance
- Finding and staying in a job if you are able to work
- Seeking permanent housing and accepting a suitable option
- Following shelter rules
Homeless Drop-In Centers (DICs) offer services to help you transition off the street.
- Help includes:
- Hot meals and clothing
- Showers and laundry facilities
- Counseling, case management services, and connections to health care, including medical care and mental health care
- Help finding a job or applying for benefits
- Help to transition you off the streets if you choose to do so. On-site staff can help you explore transitional housing options.
Immigration status is not a consideration for Homeless Intake Centers or Homeless Drop-In Centers. Interpreter assistance is available if you don’t speak English.
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Related
Children (0-13) COVID-19 impacted Everyone Families Housing Immigrants People with disabilities Pregnant & new parents Seniors Students VeteransMore ways to get help with this program
Visit the website
Learn more about different shelter options from DHS.
Call 311
Ask for information about shelter services or directions.
2. Determine your eligibility
Homeless intake centers
- Workers will interview you about your living situation to see if you’re eligible for shelter.
- In some cases, workers might offer you services to help you avoid shelter.
Homeless Drop-In Centers
- Available to everyone.
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3. What you need to include
When applying at an intake center, it’s best if you bring some documents.
- Single adults should bring ID.
- Adult families should bring ID, proof of residence, and proof of relationship.
- Families with children or pregnant women should bring ID and proof of residence.
Below are some kinds of documents you can bring.
Documents for single adults
The following forms of ID are very helpful during the intake process (but are not required):
- Any form of ID with a picture and proof of age, such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport or visa, welfare card or green card
- Social Security card
- Medicaid card, if available
- If working, your most recent pay stub
Documents for adult families
Bring ID for all members of your household. These include:
- Any form of ID with a picture and proof of age, such as a welfare ID card, green card, driver’s license, passport or visa, or picture employment card
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Medicaid card
- Identity card in the Public Assistance System
- If working, your most recent pay stub
Bring proof of residence for the last year. These include:
- Eviction papers or marshal’s notices
- Leases
- Con Edison or telephone bills
- Pay stubs
- Proof of income
Proof of relationship includes:
- Marriage certificate
- Domestic partnership certificate
- Letter of medical dependency for family unit
- Any other information as needed
Documents for families with children
Bring ID for all members of your household. These include:
- Any form of ID with a picture and proof of age, such as a welfare ID card, green card, driver’s license, passport or visa, or picture employment card
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Medicaid card
- Identity card in the Public Assistance System
- If working, your most recent pay stub
Bring proof of residence for the last year. These include:
- Eviction papers or marshal’s notices
- Leases
- Con Edison or telephone bills
- Pay stubs
- Proof of income
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4. How to apply
Here are your options.
Apply in person
Go to an intake center based on your situation. Bring documents with you.
Single Adult Men – 30th Street Intake Center For Men
400-430 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016
(near East 30th Street and 1st Avenue)
- Take the 6 train to 28th Street.
- Walk east to 1st Avenue, turn left, and go north to 30th Street.
- Entrance is now at 30th Street and 1st Avenue.
Single Adult Women – Franklin Shelter For Women
1122 Franklin Avenue, Bronx, NY 10456
(near Franklin Avenue and 166th Street)
- Take the 2 train to 149th Street, followed by the #55 bus to 166th Street and 3rd Avenue.
Single Adult Women – HELP Women’s Shelter
116 Williams Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207
(near Williams Avenue and Liberty Avenue)
- Take the C train to Liberty Avenue.
Adult families (no children under 21) – Adult Family Intake Center (AFIC)
400-430 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016
(Near East 30th Street and 1st Avenue)
- Take the 6 train to 28th Street.
- Walk east to 1st Avenue, turn left, and head north to 30th Street.
Families with children – Prevention Assistance and Temporary Housing Office (PATH)
151 East 151st Street, Bronx, NY 10451
(near Walton Avenue and East 151st Street)
718-503-6400
- Take the 2, 4, or 5 train to 149th Street/Grand Concourse Station.
- Head west on East 149th Street toward Grand Concourse.
- Walk north on Grand Concourse two blocks, to East 151st Street and turn left.
- Walk two blocks to Walton Avenue. The PATH office is located at the corner on your right.
Other Options
- For Drop-In Centers (DICS), see this list of locations in every borough.
- For Youth ages 14–24, learn about Runaway and Homeless Youth Drop-In Centers managed by NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).
- Contact Homebase if you’re not homeless but are at risk of entering shelter.
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More ways to get help with this program
Visit the website
Learn more about different shelter options from DHS.
Call 311
Ask for information about shelter services or directions.
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