Shelter System and Intake

In the City of New York, individuals and families experiencing homelessness have the right to access shelter, regardless of their immigration status, when they have no other safe place to go. If someone is in need of shelter, they can seek assistance at intake shelters.

 
In order to access the NYC shelter system, adults must apply for shelter at a designated intake center, and do the same for their children. Single men and single women will go to different shelter intake locations. Individuals can stay at an intake center for up to 30 days without needing to provide an application or proof of eligibility. Following an interview, the intake center will decide on the appropriate shelter plan.
 
 

What to bring to the shelter intake process

 
The intake center will need to see documents verifying your identity and your need for shelter to confirm your eligibility for shelter. Below are the recommended documents to bring to the shelter intake process. Dial “311” to access the NYC emergency shelter hotline and for any questions related to the shelter intake process.
 

• Any form of ID with a photo and date of birth (for example, passport, visa, or driver’s license).
• If available, your Social Security card.
• If available, your Medicaid card.
• If working, a recent paystub.
• If you have a disability and would like to request shelter with certain accommodations, the DHS recommends that you bring medical documentation to the intake process.

Extending your stay as a new arrival at a shelter

 
You can schedule an appointment for an interview with your shelter if you wish to extend your stay at the shelter. You are eligible to extent your stay as a new arrival at a shelter if:
 

• You have PRUCOL (Permanent Residence Under Color of Law) status*.
• You have found another place to stay and will move there in the next 30 days.
• You will be leaving NYC in the next 30 days.
• You have a hearing or immigration proceeding in the next 30 days.
• You are recovering from a serious medical procedure or have a procedure scheduled in the next 30 days.
• You have made efforts to move out of the shelter but do not have anywhere else to go yet.
• You are 18-20 years old and are enrolled in high school.

 
*PRUCOL refers to a residency status in New York City for individuals who are not U.S. citizens but have been permitted to stay in the U.S. by the Department of Homeland Security. This status is important as it makes individuals eligible for public benefits, such as Medicaid. It’s worth noting that PRUCOL is not officially recognized as an immigration status by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
 

Types of shelters you could be referred to within NYC

 
There are a variety of shelters NYC residents can go to. See a list of shelter types below.
 

• Drop-In Centers (emergency services)
• Shelter for New Arrivals to NYC
• Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers (HERRC) for New Arrivals.
• Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Shelters for Parents and Children.
• DHS Shelter for Families with Only Adults.
• Shelters for Single Adults.
• Runaway Youth Shelters.
• LGBTQ+ Shelters.
• Respite Centers.
• Faith-based centers.

 
For a list of additional shelters go to www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/get-help/i-need-shelter.