THX1138

Call 911

Call 911 if a person is:

On the subway tracks
Creating a hazard, such as blocking a sidewalk or ATM
Creating a danger to themselves or others
Experiencing a health-related emergency and needs medical assistance

Stay informed about emergencies, events, and important city services with Notify NYC. It’s New York City's official emergency notification system.

Receive the notifications you want, the way you want

Text

Text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 to sign up for citywide emergency alerts by SMS (text).

For local alerts, text one or more ZIP codes when prompted.

Mobile App

Get push notifications from the free Notify NYC mobile app.

Download the app on the App Store or Google Play Store.

Email

Set up customized email notifications with an Notify NYC account.

Phone

Receive recorded notifications through a voice phone call. Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) to get started.

The DHS Joint Command Center (formerly known as HOME-STAT) works with existing homeless outreach and prevention programs to identify, engage, and transition homeless New Yorkers to services and, ultimately, permanent housing.

The DHS Joint Command Center:

Conducts daily canvassing of City streets and subways
Responds rapidly to requests for homeless assistance made to 311
Provides a case management system to monitor those who are mentally ill with a history of violent behaviors

Learn more about DHS Joint Command Center.

During Code Blue, Code Red, and Code Grey, 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.

Code Grey

When the Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecast to be 201 or greater, the City follows Code Grey procedures until the AQI Advisory, Watch, or Warning has ended.

Housing

+ − Find an affordable place to live

Finding housing that fits your budget can be challenging. Housing is generally defined as affordable if it costs one-third or less of your income.

If you pay more, you’re not alone. Here’s where to look for affordable units with rents and maintenance costs that stay stable over time.

Housing lotteries Enter lotteries to rent or buy below market rate apartments. › Public housing Apply for a NYCHA apartment with rent based on your income. › Middle income housing developments Join waiting lists or enter lotteries for affordable rentals or co-ops. › Help buying your first home Receive up to $100,000 toward a down payment or closing costs of a new home. ›

+ − Pay rent and housing expenses

Rising rents and housing costs can make it hard to keep up with bills.

You may qualify for programs that help pay rent, utilities, and other housing expenses.

Renters

Support to stay in your home Navigate your options and apply for rental assistance with a housing specialist. › Ongoing cash help Get monthly cash benefits for low-income tenants to pay for rent, utilities, and other basic needs. › Rent increase help Know your rights and what to do if your rent is going up. › Rent freeze for seniors Stop future rent increases if you're 62 or older and live in a rent regulated apartment. › Rent freeze for people with disabilities Stop future rent increases if you have a disability and live in a rent regulated apartment. ›

Homeowners

Financial assistance for homeowners Manage debt, apply for low-cost loans, and create a plan to keep your home. › Property tax savings Lower your property tax bill with exemptions and credits. › Property tax payment plan Pay your property taxes over time instead of all at once. ›

+ − Keep your housing

Facing the loss of your home can be stressful, but you don’t have to navigate this alone.

If you are at risk of eviction or foreclosure, there are programs and legal protections that may help you stay in your home and find a path forward.

Facing an immediate housing crisis?

If you’re being evicted, contact Homebase for alternatives to shelter.
If your home is unsafe due to domestic violence, contact Safe Horizon for emergency housing.

Support to stay in your home Navigate your options and apply for rental assistance with a housing specialist. › Emergency cash help Apply for a one-time grant to pay back rent, stop utility shutoff, or meet an unexpected expense. › Legal help for tenants Get referrals to free legal services and help to understand your rights from the Tenant Helpline. › Property tax pause Defer property tax payments if you're experiencing hardship. › Foreclosure and loan assistance Access financial and legal services if you’re at risk of losing your home. ›

Food

+ − Get help to pay for groceries

You can get help paying for groceries by enrolling in a food benefits program.

Money to buy food Get monthly SNAP benefits loaded onto a card that you can use to buy groceries at many stores and markets. › Nutrition support for families Get help buying healthy food and formula if you’re pregnant, a new parent, or caring for a child under 5. › Extra money for fruits and vegetables Earn a dollar-for-dollar match to spend on produce when you use SNAP. › Extra money for summer break Get $120 per eligible child to buy groceries during the summer. ›

+ − Pick up free food

Free food is available to all New Yorkers who need it.

Food for your household Pick up groceries to use at home from a neighborhood food pantry. › Food packages for older adults Pick up healthy foods to supplement your diet from distribution sites if you’re 60 or older. ›

+ − Find free meals

You can learn about programs that provide free prepared meals to eligible New Yorkers.

Health

+ − Find health insurance

Health insurance plans

Health insurance can help cover doctor’s visits, medications, and assistive devices like hearing aids or glasses. If you don’t qualify for coverage through your workplace, there are other options that may fit your budget.

For low-income New Yorkers Sign up for free insurance through Medicaid if you have a low income or a health need like a disability. › For seniors or people with disabilities Sign up for Medicare and savings programs if you're 65 or older or have a qualifying disability. › For children ineligible for Medicaid Sign up for free or low-cost insurance through Child Health Plus if your child doesn’t qualify for Medicaid. › For adults ineligible for Medicaid Sign up for the Essential Plan if you have a low income but don’t qualify for Medicaid. › For people ineligible for public plans Get financial help to lower monthly and out-of-pocket costs for private health insurance. ›

Navigating your options

Choosing a health plan can feel overwhelming. Trained specialists can help you find a plan, check your eligibility, or renew your coverage.

Enrollment support Connect with a health insurance specialist to explore public and private health coverage options. › Medicare plan counseling Get help to find the right Medicare plan for you. › Veteran health care Connect with organizations that support the health needs of veterans, service members, and their families. ›

+ − Access free or low-cost health services

Medical debt isn’t the only option for uninsured New Yorkers who need health care. If you don’t qualify for health insurance or missed the enrollment deadline, you may still be able to get affordable care with transparent pricing.

Health care if you have no insurance Access free or low-cost care if you can’t afford or don’t qualify for public or private health insurance. › Health screenings Get screened for chronic conditions such as asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and mental illness. › Sexual and reproductive health Get sexual health services, including STI testing, vaccines, and contraception. › Dental care Find clinics that offer low-cost dental and oral health services. › Mental health support Get free, 24/7 confidential mental health support by text, chat, or phone for anxiety, depression, or substance use. ›

Transportation

+ − Save on public transit

Save money on your commute and other everyday trips by subway, bus, ferry, or paratransit.

50% off subway, bus, or paratransit fares Ride for half-price on subways, buses, and Access-A-Ride if you have a low income. › 50% off for riders 65 or older or with disabilities Ride for half-price if you're 65 or older or have a qualifying disability. › Free rides for paratransit customers Get up to four free subway or bus rides per day if you're enrolled in Access-A-Ride. › Discounted ferry tickets Ride NYC Ferry for $1.45 if you're eligible for a reduced fare. › Ferry discounts for high school students Get discounts on NYC Ferry when traveling to school. › Pre-tax transit benefits Use pre-tax income to pay for transit if your employer offers commuter benefits. ›

+ − Get free rides for essential trips

You may qualify for free transportation to access health care, older adult services, and other essential needs.

Rides for older adults Get free rides to older adult centers, medical appointments, grocery stores, and more. › Non-emergency medical transportation Get free rides to medical appointments if you receive Medicaid. ›

+ − Reduce driving costs

Driving can be expensive. These options can help reduce the cost of owning and using a car.

Discounts on bridge and tunnel tolls Use E-ZPass and enroll in a discount plan to pay less on tolls. › Discount on congestion toll Get a reduced toll or tax credit if you have a low income. › Disability exemption from congestion toll Avoid the Congestion Relief Zone toll if you have a disability and can't use public transit. › No fees at parking meters Park without paying the meter if you have a disability parking permit. › Carsharing Use carshare instead of owning a car to save on insurance, maintenance, and storage. › Carpool ride matching Share your ride with others and split gas and toll costs. › Free car seat Get a free child's car seat if your family can't afford one. ›

+ − Save on biking and e-scooters

Bikes and e-scooters are low-cost ways to get around the city. You can find discounts and free gear to make riding easier, safer, and more affordable.

Free bike helmets and lights Pick up a free helmet or bike light at a giveaway event. › $5 a month Citi Bike membership Sign up for a discounted membership if you get SNAP, live in NYCHA, or belong to a select credit union. › E-scooter share discount Get a discounted e-scooter share membership for rides in select neighborhoods. ›

Street Outreach

Code Blue, Code Red, and Code Grey

Housing

Renters

Homeowners

Food

Food

For everyone

For children

For older adults

Health

Health

Health insurance plans

Navigating your options

Transportation

Transportation

Was this information helpful? Yes No