Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Welcome. If you're looking for help in New York right now, I am really glad you found this. Whatever brought you here, you don't have to sort it all out today, and you don't have to do it alone.
Here is the easy first step: dial 211. In New York City, you can also call 311. A real person can point you to shelter, food, bills and more, any time, day or night. Then use this guide to find the next step, one at a time.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
- These guides are for everyone: single adults, families, veterans, young people, seniors, people with disabilities, survivors, LGBTQ+ people, people coming home from jail or prison, and anyone else who needs a hand. You are welcome here.
Take a breath. When a lot is going wrong at once, it helps to start with the most urgent need and work out from there.
Here is an order that works for a lot of people. Go at your own pace, and skip anything you've already got covered.
Your first steps, in order
- If you or your kids are in danger, call 911. If someone at home is hurting you, the New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline is 800.942.6906, or text 844.997.2121.
- If you need a place to sleep tonight, read Guide 2. In New York City, families with children go to PATH in the Bronx. Elsewhere, call your county Department of Social Services or 211.
- If you need food today, dial 211 and say "I need food today." Guide 4 covers SNAP and WIC.
- Apply for benefits you may qualify for, like SNAP, cash help and health coverage. Section 4 below shows where.
- Gather or replace your ID and papers. Guide 11 walks you through it.
- Make a short list of calls to make tomorrow, and keep it in your phone.
You don't have to fix everything today. One step, then the next one. That's how everybody does it.
From the Bunklow team
What is 211, and how does it work?
211 is a at no cost, private phone line that connects you with local help. 211 New York says its 12 regional centers cover 100 percent of the state, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone, text and online search. You can dial 211, or text your ZIP code to 898211.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.211newyork.org/
In New York City, 311 is the city's line for services and information, including how to reach shelter intake and street outreach. If you see someone outside who needs help, the city asks you to call 311 and request outreach.
211 can help you find:
- Shelter and warming centers
- Food pantries and no cost meals
- Help with rent, heat and utility bills
- Health care, mental health and substance use help
- Child care, school supplies and help for families
- Legal help and much more
What to say when you call 211
"Hi. I live in [your county or neighborhood]. I need help with [shelter, food, rent, a bill]."
"I have [number] kids with me, ages [ages]." Or: "It's just me."
"Can you give me a few places to call, and their hours?"
"Is there anything for [veterans, seniors, people with a disability, young people]?"
Here is an easy one
Have a pen ready when you call. Write down every name and number they give you. You'll thank yourself tomorrow!
Which guide do I need?
We made 14 guides for New York. Here's what each one covers, so you can jump right to it.
- Guide 1, Start Here. This one. First steps and how help works.
- Guide 2, Emergency Shelter Tonight. New York City intake centers, county shelter numbers, and keeping your family safe.
- Guide 3, Housing Help. Rent help, one shot deals, vouchers and tips for renters.
- Guide 4, Food. Food today, SNAP, WIC and food banks.
- Guide 5, Clothing and Hygiene. No cost clothes, showers, laundry, diapers and hygiene items.
- Guide 6, Jobs and Job Training. Career Centers, unemployment, training and child care help.
- Guide 7, Health and Mental Health. Clinics, Medicaid, Child Health Plus and crisis help.
- Guide 8, Domestic Violence Safety and Housing. Safe, private help and shelter.
- Guide 9, Veterans. VA help, benefits and housing for Veterans.
- Guide 10, Youth and Young Adults. Help for young people on their own.
- Guide 11, Getting ID and Documents Back. Birth certificates, New York ID cards, IDNYC and Social Security cards.
- Guide 12, Phones and Internet. Lifeline discounts, no cost WiFi and low cost internet.
- Guide 13, Legal and Tenant Help. No cost legal aid and help for renters in New York.
- Guide 14, How to Make Blessing Bags. A simple way to help others.
How do I apply for benefits like SNAP, cash help and Medicaid?
Applying is at no cost. You can apply for more than one program, and many people use a few together.
Here is where to start in New York.
- Outside New York City: apply for SNAP, Public Assistance (cash help) and HEAP heating help online at myBenefits, https://mybenefits.ny.gov/ or at your county Department of Social Services.
- In New York City: apply for SNAP, Medicaid, cash assistance and MTA discounts in one place on ACCESS HRA. Start at https://access.nyc.gov/
- Health coverage: NY State of Health is the state's official health plan marketplace for Medicaid, Child Health Plus, the Essential Plan and other plans. Call 855.355.5777, TTY 800.662.1220, or visit https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/
- Emergencies: if you have an emergency like homelessness, an eviction, or a utility shutoff, tell the office when you apply for Temporary Assistance. Questions about Temporary Assistance? The state OTDA Hotline is 800.342.3009.
- Moms, babies and kids under 5: WIC helps with healthy food and nutrition support. New York's WIC page says if you get SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, the Essential Plan, or Head Start, you may automatically qualify. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/
- Child care: the New York State Child Care Assistance Program helps eligible families pay some or all of the cost of child care. It's run by your local social services district. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/ccap/
Sources (As of October 16, 2026): https://mybenefits.ny.gov/mybenefits/begin and https://access.nyc.gov/ and https://nystateofhealth.ny.gov/
Say you're a single mom with three young daughters in Albany
Say you just lost your job, and you're worried about groceries and day care. You could apply for SNAP and Temporary Assistance on myBenefits, and ask the Albany County Department of Social Services about the Child Care Assistance Program, so you can look for work.
You could also call your local WIC office for your youngest girls, and check NY State of Health to make sure everyone still has health coverage. One afternoon of applications can open several doors at once.
This is an example to show how it can go. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different.
How do I get my ID and papers back?
So many programs ask for ID, so getting it back early makes everything easier. Guide 11 has all the steps.
Here is the short version.
- Birth certificate: if you were born in New York State outside New York City, order from the state Department of Health or the local registrar where you were born. If you were born in one of the five boroughs, order from the New York City Health Department.
- New York State ID card: the DMV issues non driver ID cards.
- IDNYC: New York City's no cost ID card for all city residents, regardless of immigration status, including people who are unhoused. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/about/about.page
- Social Security card: you can ask for a replacement at https://www.ssa.gov/number-card
Keep a simple folder or phone album
How do I stay connected?
A working phone makes every other step easier. Guide 12 has more.
- Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for people who qualify, including people who get SNAP, Medicaid or SSI. Learn more and find companies at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
- Public libraries have no cost computers and WiFi, and they're a calm place to make calls.
- Shelters and drop in centers often have outlets to charge your phone.
Write it down
Keep a short list of every place you call, the time, and what they said. It makes call backs faster and way less stressful.
Where can I get help right away?
- In danger right now: call 911.
- Thinking about suicide or in emotional crisis: call or text 988. It's at no cost, private and open 24/7.
- Being hurt by a partner or someone at home: the New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline is 800.942.6906, text 844.997.2121, at no cost and confidential, 24/7. In New York City, Safe Horizon is 800.621.4673.
- Veterans: the VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans is 877.424.3838, and the Veterans Crisis Line is 988, then press 1.
- Young people: 1 800 RUNAWAY is 1.800.786.2929.
- Students without a stable home: NYS TEACHS helps families with school rights at 800.388.2014.
Questions people ask a lot
Is all of this really at no cost?
Yes. These guides are at no cost, and the programs we list don't charge to apply. Be careful of anyone who asks for money to help you apply for benefits.
What if I don't have a phone?
Ask a library, drop in center or shelter if you can use theirs. Libraries also have no cost computers and WiFi.
What if I don't have an ID?
Start the process early. See Guide 11. Many places can still help you while you work on it.
What if nobody calls me back?
Call again. It's okay to be politely persistent. Ask if there's a better time or another number.
What if I don't speak English well?
Ask for an interpreter. New York City shelter intake centers say interpreters are available, and 211 New York serves callers in many languages.
Who is Bunklow?
We're a team that cares about affordable living. We made these guides no cost for anyone who needs them. We don't run these programs. We don't manage properties.
Can I share this guide?
Please do! Share it with anyone who could use it.
I'm really glad you're here
Reaching out takes courage, my friend. You're already doing it. Take this one page at a time, and come back whenever you need to.
Here are some places to start near you. If your county isn't listed, dial 211.
It covers the whole state.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
911
What it offers For an emergency right now. If you or someone else is in danger, or someone is badly hurt, call 911 first.
How to reach Call 911.
Source https://www.911.gov/
Last checked October 16, 2026
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
What it offers No cost and private. Someone to talk to about emotional distress, mental health, or drug and alcohol worries. Open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Text and chat are also in Spanish.
How to reach Call or text 988. Chat online: https://chat.988lifeline.org/
Source https://988lifeline.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
National Domestic Violence Hotline
What it offers No cost, private support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if a partner is hurting, scaring or controlling you. Advocates can help you make a safety plan and find local programs and shelter.
How to reach Call 800.799.7233. Text START to 88788. Deaf Hotline video phone: 855.812.1001. Chat at https://www.thehotline.org/. Your phone and computer can be watched. If you are worried about that, call instead of using the website.
Source https://www.thehotline.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
211 (United Way 211)
What it offers A at no cost, private help line. A real person points you to local help with housing, shelter, food, bills, health care and more.
How to reach Dial 211. If 211 does not connect, find your local 211 at https://www.211.org/about-us/your-local-211
Source https://www.211.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
New York State
Here are some places to start.
211 New York
What it offers No cost and private, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in many languages. 211 New York covers the whole state through 12 regional 211 centers. Help by phone, text, and online search.
How to reach Dial 211. Text your ZIP code to 898211. https://www.211newyork.org/
Source https://www.211newyork.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Domestic violence line (New York State)
What it offers The New York State Office of Mental Health lists this number for domestic violence help.
How to reach Call 800.942.6906.
Source https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/bootstrap/crisis.html
Last checked October 16, 2026
Emergency Assistance from your county social services office
What it offers In New York, your local Department of Social Services (DSS) is the front door for emergency help. The state says Emergency Assistance can help with homelessness, little or no food, an eviction notice, no heat in cold weather, or a utility shutoff. You do not need to qualify for ongoing cash help to get emergency help. In an emergency, you can be interviewed and get a written decision the same day you apply.
How to reach Go to or call your county DSS as soon as you can. In New York City, that is HRA and DHS (see the New York City cards). Questions: OTDA Hotline, 800.342.3009.
Source https://otda.ny.gov/programs/temporary-assistance/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
New York City (all five boroughs)
Here are some places to start.
NYC 311 and ACCESS HRA
What it offers 311 is the city's line for services and information, including shelter intake and street outreach. On ACCESS HRA you can apply for SNAP, Medicaid, cash assistance and MTA discounts in one place.
How to reach Call 311. Apply online at https://access.nyc.gov/
Source https://access.nyc.gov/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Nassau County
Here are some places to start.
Nassau County Department of Social Services
What it offers Emergency and temporary housing help, Temporary Assistance and other county services.
How to reach 60 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard, Uniondale. General information: 516.227.8519, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 3 pm. After hours emergencies: 516.573.8626.
Source https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/1921/Housing-Homeless-Prevention
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Suffolk County
Here are some places to start.
Suffolk County Department of Social Services
What it offers Housing options through Central Housing during business hours, and DSS Emergency Services for urgent needs after hours.
How to reach Central Housing: 631.854.9547. After hours: 631.854.9100.
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Westchester County
Here are some places to start.
Westchester County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county's general information line for benefits and homeless services, with district offices in Mount Vernon, Peekskill, White Plains and Yonkers.
How to reach Call 914.995.3333. After hours and weekends, DSS Emergency Services: 914.995.2099.
Source https://socialservices.westchestercountyny.gov/contact-us
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Erie County (Buffalo)
Here are some places to start.
Erie County Emergency Services
What it offers Emergency applications at the Erie County Work Center. After 5 pm, the county says to call 211.
How to reach 158 Pearl Street, Buffalo. Call 716.858.8000. After 5 pm, dial 211.
Source https://www3.erie.gov/temporaryassistance/emergency-services-contact
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Monroe County (Rochester)
Here are some places to start.
Monroe County Department of Human Services
What it offers The City of Rochester says to call the county for emergency shelter, and lists 211 and 24 hour lines for youth and domestic violence.
How to reach Daytime: 585.753.6044, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 3 pm. After hours: 585.442.1742. Dial 211.
Source https://www.cityofrochester.gov/homelessness-resources-rochester
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Onondaga County (Syracuse)
Here are some places to start.
Onondaga County Department of Social Services
What it offers Temporary Assistance intake and a county list of shelters and help lines.
How to reach Temporary Assistance intake: 315.435.2825. Or dial 211.
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Albany County
Here are some places to start.
Albany County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county's front door for Temporary Assistance, SNAP, HEAP, Medicaid and emergency help. The county lists emergencies like homelessness, lack of food, eviction papers, a utility shutoff and domestic violence. In person visits are required for homeless placements during business hours.
How to reach 162 Washington Avenue, Albany. Call 518.447.7300. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.albanycountyny.gov/departments/social-services
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My first steps plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
What matters most right now
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 16, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Affordable living. Simplified
