Article · NYC311

Call 911

Call 911 if a person is:

On the subway tracks
Creating a hazard, such as blocking a sidewalk or ATM
Outstretched or sleeping in a subway
Creating a danger to themselves or others

Need something else?

Homeless Encampment to report an encampment

If you are homeless and need help, visit:

Homeless Shelters to apply for emergency shelter
Homeless Drop-In Centers to get food, clothing, shower and laundry facilities, and other services

The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) offers services to people living on the streets, in the subway, or in other public places.

Request assistance for a homeless person.

What Happens Next

DHS will send a mobile outreach response team within 1 hour to encourage the person to accept services.

If you provide your contact information, DHS may contact you for more information.

You can request outreach for homeless individuals who consistently stay in the same location.

The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) defines chronic homelessness as someone living on the streets for 9 months out of the last 2 years.

Request assistance for a chronically homeless person.

What Happens Next

DHS will send a mobile outreach response team within 4 hours to encourage the person to accept services.

If you provide your contact information, DHS may contact you for more information.

Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement Street Action Teams (HOME-STAT) work with existing homeless outreach and prevention programs to identify, engage, and transition homeless New Yorkers to services and, ultimately, permanent housing.

HOME-STAT:

Conducts daily canvassing of City streets and subways
Responds rapidly to requests for homeless assistance made to NYC311
Provides a case management system to monitor those who are mentally ill with a history of violent behaviors

Learn more about street outreach.

During Code Blue or Code Red, outreach teams check on people who live on the streets and in the subway more frequently. Homeless people may also stay at any Department of Homeless Services shelter or drop-in center without going through the normal intake process.

Code Blue

When the temperature is 32 degrees or lower, including wind chill values, the City follows Code Blue procedures from 4 PM to 8 AM.

Code Red

When the temperature reaches a heat index of 90 degrees, or when an excessive heat warning is issued, the City follows Code Red procedures.

Homeless Assistance

Request assistance for a homeless person.

Chronic Homelessness

Request assistance for a chronically homeless person.

Street Outreach

Code Blue and Code Red