The New York City Department of Homeless Services leads the citywide response to homelessness, coordinating shelter, outreach, and prevention efforts. Through data driven strategies and partnerships, DHS aims to connect individuals and families to safe, stable housing as quickly as possible.
This overview highlights how DHS structures its programs, measures outcomes, and engages community partners to improve pathways out of homelessness.
| Program | Target Population | Primary Service | Outcome Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Shelter | Individuals and families facing immediate homelessness | 24/7 shelter beds and crisis intervention | Bed occupancy rates and safety reports |
| Ready Shelter | Homeless adults and families ready to engage in services | Transitional housing with case management | Move to permanent housing within 24 months |
| Prevention and Diversion | Households at imminent risk or early stage homelessness | Rental assistance and coordinated entry support | Number of households housed without entering shelter |
| Street Outreach | Unsheltered individuals on streets and in encampments | Engagement, assessment, and linkage to services | Number of active street contacts and service connections |
| Housing Search and Placement | Adults and families with identified housing readiness | Lease up support and move-in assistance | Length of sustained housing at 12 and 24 months |
Street Outreach and Engagement Strategies
How Teams Connect with Unsheltered Residents
DHS street outreach units operate across all five boroughs, using trauma informed approaches to engage unsheltered individuals. Teams include case managers, clinicians, and peers with lived experience who build trust and assess immediate needs. Outreach workers coordinate with NYPD, community based organizations, and hospital partners to identify people during crises.
Measuring Impact and Expanding Access
Data from street outreach feeds into the city’s coordinated entry system, helping prioritize those with the highest barriers to housing. Units tailor services by neighborhood, adjusting hours and language access to reach diverse populations. Ongoing evaluation of encounter rates, service utilization, and housing placements supports continuous improvement of outreach methods.
Collaboration with Health and Safety Partners
By integrating health outreach and harm reduction services, DHS connects people to medical care, substance use treatment, and mental health support. Partnerships with outreach clinics and mobile units increase access to care in areas where people are living. These collaborations aim to reduce emergency encounters and create safer streets for everyone.
Coordinated Entry and Assessment Processes
Centralized Intake and Prioritization
Coordinated entry ensures people accessing shelter or housing assistance are assessed consistently across the city. Intake locations use standardized tools to evaluate vulnerability, length of homelessness, and barriers to housing. Scores guide placement into the most appropriate programs based on urgency and need.
Access Points and Wait Times
Walk in centers and hotline services serve as access points where applicants complete assessments and receive referrals. DHS publishes average wait times and capacity information to help staff direct individuals to the fastest available path to housing. Technology supports real time updates so clients can make informed choices about where to go.
Data Driven Improvements
Regular analysis of entry data reveals patterns, such as repeated returns to shelter or long waits for families. These insights drive adjustments to staffing, eligibility guidance, and referral pathways. Transparent reporting to community partners helps align resources with neighborhood level demand.
Prevention, Diversion, and Rapid Rehousing
Keeping Households Housed at the Earliest Stage
Prevention programs offer financial assistance, legal services, and mediation before a household becomes homeless. DHS funds flexible rental supplements, security deposit help, and short term landlord incentives to avoid unnecessary entry into shelter. Counselors work directly with tenants and landlords to resolve conflicts and sustain existing housing.
Diversion from Shelter to Alternative Solutions
Diversion teams engage households at the shelter door and in the community to identify safe, lower cost alternatives. These may include moving in with亲友, staying in a hotel with DHS support, or finding permanent affordable units without entering the shelter system. When successful, diversion reduces shelter crowding and allows resources to focus on those with no other options.
Rapid Rehousing for Quick Transitions
Rapid rehousing provides time limited rent, move in support, and case management to help households secure and maintain their own apartments. Participants typically receive assistance for three to six months, depending on their needs and market conditions. Evaluations show strong outcomes when participants combine rental aid with employment and tenancy counseling.
Shelter Operations, Safety, and Quality of Life
Standards for Shelter Environment and Care
DHS sets facility standards for shelter cleanliness, staffing ratios, safety protocols, and access to services. Shelters are required to maintain health and safety plans, conduct nightly counts, and respond to critical incidents. Regular inspections and third party audits support consistent compliance across sites.
Health, Behavioral Health, and Onsite Services
Many DHS shelter locations integrate onsite health clinics, mental health counseling, and peer support groups. Partnerships with health systems bring wound care, medication management, and outreach to people who may otherwise avoid traditional settings. Integrated care models aim to stabilize individuals faster and reduce repeat shelter use.
Continuous Improvement through Feedback
DHS gathers feedback from residents, staff, and community partners to identify gaps in shelter conditions and services. Surveys, focus groups, and advisory committees inform changes in policies, hours of operation, and communication practices. Public dashboards track key performance indicators such as safety incidents and length of stay.
Strengthening Systems and Community Partnerships
- Use coordinated entry to access the most appropriate program based on vulnerability and need.
- Engage with street outreach teams to connect unsheltered residents to services and safe housing options.
- Act on prevention resources early to avoid crisis and reduce the risk of homelessness.
- Review data and public reports to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Collaborate with health partners to integrate medical, mental health, and peer support services into shelter and outreach.
- Support community based organizations that provide employment, tenancy, and legal services to strengthen pathways to stability.
FAQ
Reader questions
How does DHS determine who gets shelter and services first?
DHS uses the coordinated entry system to assess every applicant and assign a vulnerability score. People with the highest scores, including those who are unsheltered, chronically homeless, or fleeing violence, are prioritized for immediate shelter and rapid rehousing options.
What outreach services are available for people living on the streets?
Outreach teams provide crisis intervention, basic needs kits, health screenings, and referrals to shelter or permanent housing. They work with outreach clinics and harm reduction programs to connect unsheltered residents with services where they are, reducing barriers to engagement and care.
Can families avoid entering shelter through prevention programs?
Yes, DHS prevention programs offer rental assistance, legal aid, and mediation to help families resolve crises before they become homeless. Early intervention through coordinated entry can connect households to resources that keep them housed without entering the shelter system.
How are long term outcomes measured for DHS programs?
Outcomes are tracked through data on housing placement, length of stay, return to homelessness, and sustained employment or school enrollment. Regular analysis helps refine interventions, improve program performance, and demonstrate impact to partners and funders.