Where To Go
Securing Shelter
What To Expect

A DHS Guiding Principle states that that all homeless individuals and families deserve safe, temporary shelter and that planning for permanent housing should begin immediately. A wide range of services are available to help you as you work to transition from homelessness to permanent housing.

WHERE TO GO (back to top)

DHS provides temporary emergency shelter to homeless individuals in a safe environment. There are a variety of ways for you to receive services.

“DROP IN” AT OUR DROP-IN CENTERS

In partnership with non-profit organizations, DHS sponsors six Drop-In Centers located throughout the City. Drop-Ins provide hot meals, showers, laundry facilities, clothing, medical care, recreational space, employment referrals and other social services. Staff also can help you find a safe and secure place to sleep.

Dial 311 to contact any Drop-In Center, receive directions or other information.

24-hour Drop-In Centers are located at:

MANHATTAN
Mainchance
120 East 32nd Street in East Midtown
Subway: 6 to 33rd St.

The Open Door in West Midtown
402 West 41st Street
Subway: A/C/E to 42nd St.-Port Authority

*Effective April 1, 2010, the Open Door Drop-In Center will be closed.  In addition, effective March 1, 2010, only case managed clients can access this program until the center closes.  Others should seek services at one of the other Drop-In Centers listed here during the hours they are open.  We are committed to helping anyone who needs assistance.*

BRONX
The Living Room
890 Garrison Avenue
Subway: 6 to Hunt's Point Ave.

The following Drop-In Centers are open from 7:30 am - 8:30 pm:

MANHATTAN
Olivieri Center
257 West 30th Street near Penn Station
Subway: 1/2/3/A/C/E to 34th St.-Penn Station

BROOKLYN
The Gathering Place
2402 Atlantic Avenue
Subway: A to Broadway Junction

STATEN ISLAND
Project Hospitality
25 Central Avenue
Subway: No subway service

SECURING SHELTER (back to top)

DHS operates the most comprehensive shelter services system for single adults in the world - with programs to assist individuals in addressing and overcoming their homelessness to securing and sustaining permanent housing. To enter a shelter, single homeless men or women who are 18 and older first must go to an intake facility.  As noted below, there is one intake center for men and two for women.  Homeless individuals who have been in a shelter within the past 12 months should go to that shelter.  Otherwise, they should go to an intake center.  The intake facilities for single adults are open 24 hours, seven days a week, including holidays.  Bringing ID is strongly suggested, though not required.  The following forms of ID are very helpful during the intake process:

• 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

Interpreter assistance will be made available for people who do not speak English.

Dial 311 to receive directions and other information on the following intake centers:

30th Street Intake (Men)
400-430 East 30th Street/1st Avenue
Entrance is up the ramp on 29th Street and 1st Avenue
Manhattan
Subway: 6 to 28th St.

HELP Women’s Shelter (Women)
116 Williams Avenue (between Liberty Avenue and Glenmore Avenue)
Brooklyn
Subway: C to Liberty Ave.

Franklin Shelter (Women)
1122 Franklin Avenue (near East 166th Street)
Bronx
Subway: 2 to 149th St., then #55 bus to 166th St. and 3rd Ave.

WHAT TO EXPECT (back to top)

After visiting an intake center, trained social services and professional staff will assess your unique needs and assign you to a shelter with expertise in addressing those needs. All programs are designed to help clients overcome homelessness.

Some of DHS’ programs include counseling, case management, employment training, mental health rehabilitation, specialized services for veterans, substance abuse treatment, and various programs for the elderly. Social workers, employment specialists, housing/vocational counselors, and health coordinators work closely with clients in an individualized approach that aims to provide clients with the skills needed to achieve the highest level of self-sufficiency.

All adults entering the shelter system are expected to work with shelter staff to accomplish this goal. Clients will be asked to follow an Independent Living Plan, participate in programs that meet their needs, and follow shelter guidelines that keep clients and staff safe.