Helpful links and preparation guides.
The resources page stays because visitors need a clear place to find support direction, documents to prepare, and contact pathways.
Check Government Services Available Now
NYC emergency and benefit programs can change with weather, eligibility, operating hours and City announcements. Use these official sources to check what is currently available before traveling.
❄️ Code Blue & Warming Centers
NYC follows Code Blue procedures when the temperature or wind chill reaches 32°F or below. During extreme cold, warming centers may be activated and DHS shelters and drop-in centers operate under an open-door policy.
Check NYC warming centers →Request homeless outreach →
🧥 DHS Drop-In Centers
NYC homeless drop-in centers provide immediate services including hot meals, clothing, showers, laundry, case management, health-care connections and help applying for benefits. NYC 311 currently lists these centers as open 24/7, including holidays.
Find a DHS drop-in center →💳 HRA Benefits & Emergency Cash
Use ACCESS HRA for SNAP, Cash Assistance, Emergency Assistance / One Shot Deal, eligible Medicaid services, CityFHEPS renewals, HEAP and Fair Fares. Emergency Assistance may help with homelessness, housing loss, utility shutoff, loss of belongings after certain emergencies, domestic violence, or other health-and-safety needs.
HRA Infoline: (718) 557-1399 • Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
Open ACCESS HRA →🏠 Emergency Shelter & Intake
NYC DHS intake centers provide access to emergency shelter. Adult-family, single-adult and family intake locations differ, so check the official NYC 311 shelter page for the correct location before traveling.
Check NYC shelter intake information →🔎 Find Benefits You May Qualify For
ACCESS NYC lists City, State and federal benefit programs including food assistance, emergency cash help, affordable housing opportunities, transportation discounts and other support.
Browse ACCESS NYC programs →☎️ NYC 311
For current City-service information, call 311. For someone living on the street or subway who needs assistance, NYC 311 can send a DHS outreach team. For an immediate medical or safety emergency, call 911.
Open NYC 311 →Resource categories
Housing
Prepare ID, proof of situation, medical notes if relevant, appointment details, and written timelines.
Open housing pageFood support
List household size, dietary needs, location, delivery limits and urgent timing.
Open food page