Tools
Housing & Homeless Services
| Service | Definition |
|---|---|
| Drop-in centers | Organizations that provide homeless individuals with basic needs such as meals, showers, laundry facilities, and clothing. Medical care, mental health services, and employment and shelter referrals are frequently offered. Most do not have beds, and clients may come and go as needed. Identification is typically not required. |
| Eviction prevention | Organizations that provide individuals and families with information and resources to avoid eviction. They often include but are not limited to legal organizations and tenants’ rights groups. The programs also may be embedded at an organization. Any form of ID with a picture and proof of age—such as a driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport—is helpful during the intake process (but not required). |
| Housing information | Organizations that provide information and resources on housing programs and housing availability. |
| Housing placement | Organizations that provide individuals and families with housing and/or assistance to find housing. Any form of ID with a picture and proof of age—such as a driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport—is helpful during the intake process (but not required). |
| Permanent housing | Organizations that offer permanent congregate housing paired with wraparound support services such as onsite case management and mental health referral services to individuals who have a disabling condition that makes it difficult or impossible to live without additional help. Any form of ID with a picture and proof of age—such as a driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport—is helpful during the intake process (but not required). |
| Supportive housing | Organizations that provide permanent affordable housing paired with wraparound support services like case management and benefits assistance for low-income individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness and face a multitude of complex medical, mental health, and/or substance use issues that might be co-occurring. Any form of ID with a picture and proof of age—such as a driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport—is helpful during the intake process (but not required). |
| Temporary housing | Organizations that provide homeless adults with emergency short-term housing of typically 90 days or less. Any form of ID with a picture and proof of age—such as a driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport—is helpful during the intake process (but not required). |
| Shelter | Organizations that provide temporary lodging spaces for homeless individuals and families. Identification is typically not required. New York City: If a client is new to the shelter system or has not been to their assigned shelter in a year, they must be assessed at a shelter intake center. If a client is returning to their assigned shelter and has been at the shelter within the year, the shelter should be contacted directly. Long Island and Westchester County: Eligibility for shelter and services is determined at a local department of social service district offices. |
| Transitional housing | Organizations that provide individuals who are developing independent living skills with single-room occupancy housing, congregate housing, permanent housing referrals, social services, medical and mental health assessment, nutrition education, and recreational activities. Housing and services are typically offered up to 24 months (but stays can be shorter). Any form of ID with a picture and proof of age—such as a driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport—is helpful during the intake process (but not required). |