The NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) works to prevent homelessness. The also provide short-term, emergency shelter for individuals and families who have no other housing options available.
Where can I go for help?
A Homebase Center
If you’re at risk of getting evicted or need help making ends meet, Homebase can help. They offer emergency grants, information about public benefits, and other services to keep you in your home. Find the Homebase location closest to you and make an appointment.
The PATH Intake Center in the Bronx
If your family needs a room in a shelter, you must visit the Prevention and Temporary Housing (PATH) intake center. It’s located in the Bronx and open 24/7.
Who may apply for services?
- Families with children younger than 21 years of age
- Pregnant women
- Families with a pregnant woman
What’s the contact information?
- Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Located in the Bronx at 151 East 151st Street
- The main telephone number is 917-521-3900
What should I know before I go?
- All family members seeking shelter must be present for the application process.
- You need to show ID for each family member. If you don’t have ID, DHS will still make efforts to help you.
- The application process can take many hours, so keep your day free.
- You can’t bring outside food, but snacks are provided there.
- PATH staff will give you an attendance letter that excuses your child or children’s absence from school that day.
Where can I find more information about the process?
The PATH web page tells you which documents to bring and what the process is like. There’s also a downloadable PATH brochure that explains the process in more detail, as well as the other services available at PATH.
Which staff can help me?
Case Managers
Case managers are usually a family’s day-to-day contact in a shelter. They help families develop a plan to find permanent housing. They can also answer questions about public benefits and community-based resources near the shelter. Case managers may help with updating school transportation or enrolling in a new school if a family assistant isn’t available.
Housing Specialists
Housing specialists provide information about the rehousing process and help you decide the right path for your family. They can assist you in finding listings within your price range and desired neighborhood. They can also communicate with landlords, help with paperwork, and explain how different voucher programs work. If a housing assistant isn’t available, a case manager can help you with these things.
Client Care Coordinators
Client care coordinators are shelter staff that support mental and physical health. They conduct behavioral assessments and can refer you to community-based mental health services.
What services do they offer?
Click an entry to learn more.
Vouchers that pay part of your rent
Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher Program
Housing | NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA)
Section 8 pays part of the rent for low- and moderate-income families who want to rent in the private market. Eligibility for this program is based on a family’s income and family size. Generally, families pay no more than 40% of their monthly income towards their rent. NYCHA pays the rest to the property owner.
Affordable public housing
NYCHA Public Housing
Housing | NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA)
People with low and moderate income can rent affordable housing through the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA).
Supportive housing for homeless veterans
Veterans Affairs Supported Housing
Housing | US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD); US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
HUD-VASH helps veterans and their families who are homeless find and keep permanent housing. Veterans get a Section 8 rental voucher that helps pay for a place to live. VA case managers can also connect veterans with other supportive services.
Rent freeze for seniors
Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption
Housing | NYC Department of Finance (DOF); NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)
SCRIE helps eligible senior citizens 62 and older stay in affordable housing by freezing their rent. Tenants can keep paying what they were paying even if their landlord increases the rent. The landlord gets a property tax credit that covers the difference between the new and original rent amount.
Rent freeze for people with disabilities
Disability Rent Increase Exemption
Housing | NYC Department of Finance (DOF)
DRIE helps eligible tenants with disabilities stay in affordable housing by freezing their rent. This means tenants can keep paying what they were paying even if the landlord increases the rent. The landlord will get a property tax credit that covers the difference between the new and original rent amount.
Services to help you keep your housing
Homebase
Housing | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
Homebase can help if you’re at risk of becoming homeless. They have locations across New York City’s five boroughs and offer a wide range of services to help you if you have a housing crisis.
Rent freeze for people with disabilities
Disability Rent Increase Exemption
Housing | NYC Department of Finance (DOF)
DRIE helps eligible tenants with disabilities stay in affordable housing by freezing their rent. This means tenants can keep paying what they were paying even if the landlord increases the rent. The landlord will get a property tax credit that covers the difference between the new and original rent amount.
Vouchers that pay part of your rent
Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher Program
Housing | NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA)
Section 8 pays part of the rent for low- and moderate-income families who want to rent in the private market. Eligibility for this program is based on a family’s income and family size. Generally, families pay no more than 40% of their monthly income towards their rent. NYCHA pays the rest to the property owner.
Rent freeze for seniors
Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption
Housing | NYC Department of Finance (DOF); NYC Housing Preservation and Development (HPD)
SCRIE helps eligible senior citizens 62 and older stay in affordable housing by freezing their rent. Tenants can keep paying what they were paying even if their landlord increases the rent. The landlord gets a property tax credit that covers the difference between the new and original rent amount.
Affordable public housing
NYCHA Public Housing
Housing | NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA)
People with low and moderate income can rent affordable housing through the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA).
Supportive housing for homeless veterans
Veterans Affairs Supported Housing
Housing | US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD); US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
HUD-VASH helps veterans and their families who are homeless find and keep permanent housing. Veterans get a Section 8 rental voucher that helps pay for a place to live. VA case managers can also connect veterans with other supportive services.
Services to help you keep your housing
Homebase
Housing | NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
Homebase can help if you’re at risk of becoming homeless. They have locations across New York City’s five boroughs and offer a wide range of services to help you if you have a housing crisis.
