If you’re homeless or about to lose your housing in New York tonight, hotel vouchers are available — and you may qualify right now. New York has one of the most robust homeless assistance systems in the United States, with a legal right to shelter in New York City and a statewide network of government agencies, nonprofits, and emergency programs that can place you in a safe motel or hotel room while you work toward stable housing.
This guide covers every New York-specific program, how to apply, who qualifies, and what to do if you need help immediately.
Hotel Vouchers for Homeless in New York — Quick Answer
Yes, hotel vouchers for homeless individuals are available in New York through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), local Department of Social Services (DSS) offices, New York City’s Department of Homeless Services (DHS), the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and other nonprofits. The fastest way to access one is to dial 211, which connects you to local emergency housing resources 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Who Provides Hotel Vouchers in New York?
Several organizations in New York can provide emergency hotel or motel vouchers:
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) — New York’s primary social services oversight agency manages emergency assistance programs and distributes funding to county DSS offices statewide. Visit otda.ny.gov.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) — HCR manages New York’s state housing programs and distributes federal ESG and HOME funds to local nonprofits providing emergency shelter including hotel and motel placements. Visit hcr.ny.gov.
County Department of Social Services (DSS) — Every New York county has a DSS office that administers Safety Net Assistance (SNA) and Temporary Assistance (TA — New York’s TANF) programs. County DSS offices can authorize emergency motel placements for qualifying individuals and families — this is one of the most direct routes to a hotel voucher outside of New York City.
New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) — For New York City residents, NYC DHS operates the city’s shelter system and can arrange emergency hotel placements. NYC has a legal right to shelter, meaning the city must provide shelter to any eligible adult or family who requests it.
New York 211 — Dialing 211 connects you with a trained operator who can identify the nearest hotel voucher program with available funds in your specific county or borough.
Salvation Army New York — The Salvation Army operates locations across New York State and regularly provides emergency motel vouchers for individuals and families in crisis.
Catholic Charities New York — Provides emergency housing assistance regardless of religion or background, with diocesan offices across New York State serving communities statewide.
American Red Cross New York — If your housing crisis results from a hurricane, nor’easter, flood, or other disaster, the Red Cross can arrange immediate hotel accommodations at no cost.
Who Qualifies for Emergency Hotel Vouchers in New York?
Eligibility varies by program, but most New York hotel voucher programs give priority to:
- Individuals and families who are currently homeless (sleeping outside, in a vehicle, or in an unsafe location)
- People facing imminent eviction within 24–72 hours
- Families with children — given special priority under New York’s right-to-shelter policies
- Elderly individuals (60 and older)
- People with disabilities or serious health conditions
- Domestic violence survivors — fast-tracked by most New York programs
- Veterans experiencing homelessness
- Disaster survivors displaced by hurricanes, nor’easters, or flooding
- Immigrants and asylum seekers — New York City in particular has extensive programs serving immigrants regardless of status
- Individuals exposed to New York’s harsh winters, particularly in upstate communities
New York City is unique in the United States for its legal right to shelter — any adult or family who presents as homeless and meets basic eligibility criteria is legally entitled to emergency shelter. Outside NYC, upstate New York counties administer their own emergency housing programs through DSS offices. You do not necessarily need a photo ID to receive assistance in New York, though having one speeds up the process.
How to Get a Hotel Voucher in New York (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Call 211
Dial 2-1-1 from any phone — it’s free. Tell the operator: “I need emergency shelter or a hotel voucher tonight in New York.” Operators are available 24/7 and can connect you with the nearest program that has funding available in your county or borough.
Step 2: New York City Residents — Contact NYC DHS
If you are in New York City, contact NYC DHS directly. NYC has a legal right to shelter — you cannot be turned away if you are eligible.
- NYC DHS Adult Intake: 30 Hamilton Place, Manhattan — open 24/7
- NYC DHS Family Intake (PATH Center): 151 E. 151st Street, Bronx — open 24/7
- NYC DHS Hotline: 311 (dial 311 from any NYC phone)
- NYC DHS Website: nyc.gov/dhs
Step 3: Upstate/Outside NYC — Contact Your County DSS Office
Outside New York City, your county DSS office administers Safety Net Assistance (SNA) and Temporary Assistance (TA) emergency programs that can cover motel stays. This is the most direct route to an emergency hotel voucher outside of NYC.
Find your county DSS at: otda.ny.gov or dial 211.
Key county DSS offices outside NYC:
- Buffalo/Erie County DSS: 716-858-8000
- Rochester/Monroe County DSS: 585-753-6000
- Syracuse/Onondaga County DSS: 315-435-2700
- Albany County DSS: 518-447-7300
- Westchester County DSS: 914-995-5000
- Nassau County DSS: 516-227-8000
- Suffolk County DSS: 631-853-8000
Step 4: Contact New York State OTDA
OTDA oversees statewide homeless programs and can connect you with ESG-funded providers and emergency housing resources in your area.
Contact: otda.ny.gov | 518-473-1090
Step 5: Contact New York State HCR
HCR funds emergency shelter and housing programs across New York and can direct you to ESG-funded hotel voucher providers in your region.
Contact: hcr.ny.gov | 800-432-4210
Step 6: Contact the Salvation Army or Catholic Charities
Both organizations have offices across New York State and can provide same-day emergency motel vouchers in many communities. Call your nearest branch or dial 211 for local contact information.
New York Government Programs for Emergency Housing
New York City’s Right to Shelter
New York City is one of the only places in the United States with a legal right to shelter. Under the Callahan v. Carey consent decree and subsequent court orders, New York City is legally required to provide emergency shelter to any homeless adult who requests it. Families with children are also guaranteed shelter under similar legal protections.
To access shelter in NYC, present yourself at an intake center or call 311. NYC DHS will arrange shelter — which may include a hotel or motel placement — when traditional shelter capacity is exceeded.
NYC DHS: 311 | nyc.gov/dhs
Safety Net Assistance (SNA) — New York State
Safety Net Assistance is New York’s emergency assistance program for single adults and families who do not qualify for federal TANF. SNA can cover emergency housing costs including temporary motel stays. Apply at your county DSS office.
Contact: Your county DSS | otda.ny.gov
Temporary Assistance (TA) — New York’s TANF
New York’s Temporary Assistance program provides cash assistance for eligible families with children and can cover emergency housing costs including motel stays. Apply at your county DSS office.
Contact: Your county DSS | otda.ny.gov
New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)
HCR manages New York’s affordable housing programs and distributes federal ESG and HOME funds to local service providers. They are a primary funder of emergency shelter and hotel voucher programs statewide.
Contact: hcr.ny.gov | 800-432-4210
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) — New York
New York receives substantial federal ESG funding from HUD, distributed through HCR and NYC to local homeless service providers. ESG funds can cover emergency shelter including hotel stays when traditional shelter beds are unavailable.
Contact: HCR at hcr.ny.gov
HUD Continuum of Care — New York CoC Programs
New York has numerous HUD-funded CoC programs managing regional homeless services. Key CoCs include:
- New York City CoC (largest in the nation)
- Buffalo/Erie County CoC
- Rochester/Monroe County CoC
- Syracuse/Onondaga County CoC
- Albany City and County CoC
- Westchester County CoC
- Nassau County CoC
- Suffolk County CoC
- Balance of State New York CoC — all remaining New York counties
Find your local CoC: hudexchange.info | otda.ny.gov
New York State Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP)
New York’s HHAP provides capital funding for the development of emergency and transitional housing across the state. HHAP-funded facilities include shelters and transitional housing programs that may include motel placements.
Contact: OTDA at otda.ny.gov
NYC CityFHEPS Voucher Program
For New York City residents, CityFHEPS is a rental assistance program that can help homeless individuals and families move from shelter or the street into permanent housing. CityFHEPS vouchers are administered by NYC DSS/HRA.
Contact: NYC HRA at 718-557-1399 | nyc.gov/hra
FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)
If you’ve been displaced by a presidentially declared disaster in New York — such as a hurricane or major nor’easter — FEMA’s TSA program can place you in a participating hotel or motel at no cost. This program was extensively used following Hurricane Sandy (2012) and Hurricane Ida (2021).
Apply: disasterassistance.gov | 1-800-621-3362
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) — New York
Homeless New York veterans have dedicated resources through the VA. VA social workers can often arrange emergency hotel stays while longer-term housing is arranged.
New York VA Locations:
- VA NY Harbor Healthcare System (Manhattan/Brooklyn): 212-686-7500
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center (Bronx): 718-584-9000
- Northport VA Medical Center (Long Island): 631-261-4400
- Albany Stratton VA Medical Center: 518-626-5000
- Buffalo VA Medical Center: 716-834-9200
- Canandaigua VA Medical Center: 585-394-2000
- Syracuse VA Medical Center: 315-425-4400
National Veterans Homeless Hotline: 1-877-424-3838 (24/7)
Nonprofit Organizations Offering Hotel Vouchers in New York
Bowery Mission — New York City
The Bowery Mission is one of New York City’s oldest and most established homeless service providers, offering emergency shelter, meals, and connections to hotel voucher programs for homeless individuals in Manhattan and the five boroughs.
Contact: 212-316-6000 | bowery.org
Coalition for the Homeless — New York City
The Coalition for the Homeless is New York’s leading homeless advocacy organization and also operates direct service programs connecting homeless individuals with emergency housing resources including hotel vouchers.
Contact: 212-776-2000 | coalitionforthehomeless.org
Volunteers of America Greater New York
VOA Greater New York provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and hotel voucher connections for homeless individuals and families across New York City and surrounding areas.
Contact: 212-496-4318 | voany.org
Catholic Charities New York
Multiple dioceses across New York provide emergency housing assistance and hotel voucher referrals regardless of faith background, from New York City to Buffalo to Syracuse.
Salvation Army New York
With locations across New York State — from New York City to Albany, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse — the Salvation Army is one of New York’s most consistent statewide providers of emergency motel vouchers.
Website: salvationarmy.org
Samaritan Daytop Village — New York City
Provides emergency housing assistance and hotel voucher connections for homeless individuals — particularly those with substance use and mental health needs — across New York City.
Contact: 212-932-7943 | samaritandaytop.org
PathStone Corporation — Rochester and Western/Central New York
PathStone provides emergency housing assistance, rapid re-housing, and hotel voucher connections for individuals and families across western and central New York, including the Rochester and Southern Tier regions.
Contact: 585-340-3389 | pathstone.org
Rescue Mission Alliance — Syracuse
The Rescue Mission provides emergency shelter, meals, and hotel voucher connections for homeless individuals in the Syracuse and central New York area.
Contact: 315-701-3500 | rmas.org
Buffalo City Mission — Buffalo
Buffalo City Mission is one of western New York’s primary homeless service providers, offering emergency shelter and connections to hotel voucher programs for homeless individuals and families in the Buffalo/Niagara region.
Contact: 716-854-8181 | buffalocitymission.org
Habitat for Humanity New York State
In addition to homebuilding, Habitat NY connects individuals with emergency housing resources and hotel voucher programs across the state.
Contact: 800-422-4828 | habitatnys.org
American Red Cross — New York
The Red Cross assists people displaced by New York’s hurricanes, nor’easters, and floods. If your homelessness stems from a disaster, the Red Cross can arrange immediate hotel accommodations.
Contact: 1-800-733-2767 | redcross.org
Emergency Housing Help by City and Region in New York
New York City (All Five Boroughs)
NYC has the nation’s largest shelter system and the only legal right to shelter in the U.S. Key resources include:
- NYC 311: Dial 311
- NYC DHS Adult Intake (Manhattan): 30 Hamilton Place | Open 24/7
- NYC DHS Family Intake PATH Center (Bronx): 718-943-8030
- Coalition for the Homeless: 212-776-2000
- Bowery Mission: 212-316-6000
- VOA Greater New York: 212-496-4318
- Samaritan Daytop Village: 212-932-7943
- NYC HRA (CityFHEPS): 718-557-1399
Buffalo / Erie County
- Buffalo 211: Dial 211
- Buffalo City Mission: 716-854-8181
- Salvation Army Buffalo: 716-883-9800
- Catholic Charities Buffalo: 716-218-1400
- Erie County DSS: 716-858-8000
Rochester / Monroe County
- Rochester 211: Dial 211
- PathStone Corporation: 585-340-3389
- Salvation Army Rochester: 585-987-0600
- Catholic Charities Rochester: 585-546-7220
- Person Centered Services (emergency shelter): 585-232-0050
- Monroe County DSS: 585-753-6000
Syracuse / Onondaga County
- Syracuse 211: Dial 211
- Rescue Mission Alliance: 315-701-3500
- Salvation Army Syracuse: 315-475-1688
- Catholic Charities Syracuse: 315-474-7251
- Onondaga County DSS: 315-435-2700
Albany / Capital Region
- Albany 211: Dial 211
- Equinox (emergency shelter): 518-434-6135
- Salvation Army Albany: 518-462-0921
- Catholic Charities Albany: 518-453-6650
- Albany County DSS: 518-447-7300
Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk Counties)
- Long Island 211: Dial 211
- Long Island Coalition for the Homeless: 631-464-4314
- Salvation Army Hempstead: 516-485-8110
- Catholic Charities Rockville Centre: 516-733-7000
- Nassau County DSS: 516-227-8000
- Suffolk County DSS: 631-853-8000
Westchester County
- Westchester 211: Dial 211
- Westhab (emergency housing): 914-345-2800
- Salvation Army White Plains: 914-949-1 -1030
- Catholic Charities Westchester: 914-965-3600
- Westchester County DSS: 914-995-5000
Hudson Valley (Orange, Dutchess, Ulster, Rockland Counties)
- Hudson Valley 211: Dial 211
- Occupations Inc. (Orange County): 845-294-4555
- Family of Woodstock (Ulster County): 845-679-2485
- Dutchess County DSS: 845-486-3000
- Rockland County DSS: 845-364-3000
Southern Tier (Binghamton, Elmira)
- Southern Tier 211: Dial 211
- Catholic Charities Broome County: 607-729-9166
- Salvation Army Binghamton: 607-722-4074
- Broome County DSS: 607-778-2000
- Chemung County DSS (Elmira): 607-737-5300
North Country (Plattsburgh, Watertown, Adirondacks)
- North Country 211: Dial 211
- Clinton County DSS (Plattsburgh): 518-565-3300
- Jefferson County DSS (Watertown): 315-782-9030
- St. Lawrence County DSS: 315-379-2111
What to Do After Your Hotel Voucher Runs Out
A hotel voucher is a bridge — not a permanent solution. While you have temporary shelter, take these steps toward stable housing:
Connect with a case manager. Ask the organization that gave you the voucher to assign you a case manager. In New York City, every shelter resident is assigned a case manager. Outside NYC, ask your county DSS office or the providing organization for case management support.
Apply for Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) in New York. RRH programs provide short-term rental assistance and support to help you move from homelessness into housing quickly. Contact your local CoC or dial 211 to find RRH programs in your area.
Apply for CityFHEPS (NYC residents). NYC residents who are homeless or in shelter may qualify for CityFHEPS rental assistance vouchers to move into permanent housing. Contact NYC HRA at 718-557-1399 or visit nyc.gov/hra.
Get on the Section 8 waitlist. The Housing Choice Voucher program provides long-term rental assistance. Contact HCR at hcr.ny.gov or your local housing authority to apply. Waitlists across New York — especially in NYC and surrounding suburbs — can be extremely long. Apply early and to multiple housing authorities.
Look into transitional housing. Organizations like the Bowery Mission, Buffalo City Mission, Rescue Mission Alliance, PathStone, and VOA Greater New York offer transitional housing programs with support services to help you build long-term stability.
Apply for benefits you may qualify for. If you haven’t already, apply for SNAP food assistance, New York Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance (TA) or Safety Net Assistance (SNA) at your county DSS office, at NYC HRA (for NYC residents), or at mybenefits.ny.gov or benefits.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a hotel voucher in New York City tonight?
In New York City, call 311 or go directly to a DHS intake center. Adults can present at 30 Hamilton Place in Manhattan (open 24/7). Families with children should go to the PATH Center at 151 E. 151st Street in the Bronx (open 24/7). NYC is legally required to provide shelter. Hotel or motel placements are arranged when traditional shelter capacity is exceeded.
Does New York City have a legal right to shelter?
Yes. New York City is one of the only places in the United States with a legal right to shelter. Under court-ordered consent decrees, NYC DHS must provide emergency shelter to any homeless adult or family who is eligible and requests it. You cannot be turned away if you meet basic eligibility requirements.
How do I get a hotel voucher in upstate New York?
Outside New York City, contact your county’s Department of Social Services (DSS) office. County DSS offices administer Safety Net Assistance (SNA) and Temporary Assistance (TA) programs that can authorize emergency motel stays. You can also dial 211 for additional resources in your county.
What is Safety Net Assistance (SNA) in New York?
Safety Net Assistance is New York’s emergency cash assistance program for adults and families who do not qualify for the federal TANF program. SNA can cover emergency housing costs including temporary motel stays. Apply at your county DSS office.
What is CityFHEPS and how can it help me?
CityFHEPS is New York City’s rental assistance program for homeless individuals and families. If you are currently homeless or living in a shelter in NYC, you may qualify for a CityFHEPS voucher to help pay rent in permanent housing. Contact NYC HRA at 718-557-1399 or visit nyc.gov/hra.
Are hotel vouchers available for immigrants and asylum seekers in New York?
Yes. New York City in particular has extensive programs serving immigrants and asylum seekers regardless of documentation status. NYC DHS and NYC HRA operate programs for asylum seekers, and many nonprofits serve immigrants regardless of status. Dial 311 in NYC or 211 elsewhere and ask about immigration-inclusive programs in your area.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless veterans in New York?
Yes. Contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-424-3838 (24/7) or your nearest New York VA facility. VA social workers can often arrange emergency hotel stays same-day for veterans in crisis.
Are there hotel vouchers for domestic violence survivors in New York?
Yes. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (24/7) or the New York State Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906 (24/7) for immediate safe housing assistance.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless youth in New York?
Yes. In New York City, Covenant House New York (212-613-0300) provides emergency shelter and hotel voucher assistance for youth and young adults up to age 21. Across the state, dial 211 for youth-specific emergency housing resources in your county.
What if there are no hotel vouchers available in my area?
In New York City, you cannot be denied shelter — invoke your right to shelter by presenting at a DHS intake center or calling 311. Elsewhere in the state, contact your county DSS office, which has a legal obligation to connect you with available resources, or call the National Homeless Hotline at 1-877-466-4782.
Final Thoughts
If you need a hotel voucher in New York tonight, your first call should be to 211 — or 311 if you are in New York City. In NYC, you have a legal right to shelter and cannot be turned away. Across the rest of the state, county DSS offices, the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and dozens of local nonprofits stand ready to help.
New York has more resources for people experiencing homelessness than almost any other state. Don’t wait to reach out — that’s exactly what these programs are here for.
Last Updated: 2026 | Sources: New York OTDA, New York HCR, NYC DHS, HUD, FEMA, Salvation Army New York
Program availability and funding levels vary by county and change frequently. Always verify current availability directly with the providing organization.