Homeless Assistance in New York
Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to New York residents.
Emergency Housing & Shelter
Immediate options for New York residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.
Emergency Shelters
Find available shelter beds tonight across New York. Call 211 for real-time availability and directions to the nearest open shelter in your area.
Get StartedFamily & Youth Shelters
Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in New York. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.
Get StartedVeterans Emergency Housing
Dedicated emergency housing for New York veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.
Get StartedFederal Assistance Programs
Federal programs available to eligible New York residents regardless of city or county.
HUD Continuum of Care
Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in New York. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.
Get StartedEmergency Solutions Grants
Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. New York receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.
Get StartedHousing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local New York Public Housing Authority.
Get StartedHUD-VASH (Veterans)
Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple New York locations.
Get StartedPATH Program (Mental Health)
Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through New York community mental health centers statewide.
Get StartedSNAP Food Assistance
Helps low-income New York residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.
Get StartedNew York State Programs
Programs funded or operated specifically by New York for residents experiencing homelessness.
NY Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP)
Funds capital projects for facilities serving homeless persons statewide — one of New York’s primary mechanisms for creating new shelter and supportive housing.
Get StartedTANF – New York (FA/SNA)
New York’s Temporary Assistance programs (FA and SNA) provide cash and support to eligible families and single adults. Apply at your local Department of Social Services.
Get StartedNew York Medicaid
New York Medicaid covers low-income adults, families, children, elderly, and disabled residents. Apply online at NY State of Health or any local DSS.
Get StartedNew York Housing Programs
New York State Homes and Community Renewal provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income New York residents.
Get StartedNew York Workforce & Employment
Free job training, resume help, and career placement through New York’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.
Get StartedLIHEAP Energy Assistance
Helps low-income New York households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Call 211 to find your provider.
Get StartedLocal Resources by City
Major New York cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.
New York City
NYC DHS — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for New York City area residents experiencing homelessness.
Get StartedBuffalo
The Salvation Army Buffalo — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Buffalo area.
Get StartedAlbany
Capital District CoC — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Albany area residents experiencing homelessness.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about getting homeless assistance in New York.
- HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
- SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
- New York Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for New York veterans
Assistance by State
Select a state to view its specific homeless assistance programs and resources.
