By August 2024, over 210,000 migrants have arrived in New York City seeking asylum since the spring of 2022. For many of them, securing shelter is the first and most crucial step toward starting a new life. Under New York City’s “right to shelter” law, the city is obligated to provide shelter to anyone in need, including asylum seekers.
However, those classified as “New Arrivals” follow a different process within the shelter system compared to immigrants who have been in the U.S. for a longer time. Additionally, Mayor Eric Adams recently implemented a settlement that significantly reduces the time “New Arrivals” are allowed to stay in shelters. This guide will outline the shelter system options and the time limits available for “New Arrivals.”
Definition of “New Arrival”
Any person who has entered the United States after March 15, 2022, is considered a “New Arrival,” and is subject to different shelter system pathways than others who have been in the country for a longer period of time.
Updated Guide for Newly Arrived Migrants Seeking Shelter in New York City (Effective June 24, 2025)
Following the closure of the migrant arrival center at the Roosevelt Hotel on June 24, 2025, newly arrived migrants in New York City should now seek shelter and services through the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) system.
Migrants should visit the appropriate DHS intake center based on their family situation or demographic:
- Families with children (under 21 years old), single pregnant individuals, and families with a pregnant member: Visit the Prevention Assistance and Temporary Housing (PATH) Intake Center located in the Bronx.
- Adult families (with no children under 21): Visit the Adult Family Intake Center (AFIC) in Manhattan.
- Single Adult Men: Visit the 30th Street Intake Center in Manhattan.
- Single Adult Women: Visit the Franklin Shelter or H.E.L.P. Women’s Center in Brooklyn.
These centers provide shelter placement, legal assistance, medical care, and other supportive services.
Frequently asked questions about NYC shelters
- How do I prove I am eligible for shelter?
At the Arrival Center, staff will ask if you have family or friends in the U.S. you can stay with. They may contact these individuals to confirm. You’ll also be asked if you can pay for your own housing. It’s important to be truthful, as not cooperating can result in being denied shelter.
- How long can I stay in the shelter?
If you are a single adult, you have the right to stay in a shelter for 30 days after being placed there by the city for the first time. For young single adults under the age of 23, the initial shelter placement lasts at least 60 days.
Families with children can reapply for shelter placement after 60 days.Pregnant women in their third trimester, along with families with newborns, may qualify for an extension, allowing them to stay until the baby is six months old.
- Can I choose which shelter the City places me in?
No, shelter placements are based on availability. If you decline the assigned placement, the city will consider it a rejection of shelter, meaning you must find your own housing outside the city’s shelter system. However, if the assigned shelter is unsafe or inaccessible due to a disability, they must find you another option.
- What do I do if I am found ineligible for shelter?
If the city deems you ineligible, they will provide a written notice in your preferred language. You may be denied shelter if they believe you have another place to stay, can afford housing, or didn’t cooperate with the process. If you disagree with the decision, you can request a review, especially if the alternative housing they identified is unsafe, unavailable, or doesn’t accommodate a disability.
Homeless drop-in centers
While drop-in centers do not provide overnight shelter beds, they serve as a crucial 24/7 resource, open every day of the year, including holidays. These centers offer immediate, essential services for those experiencing homelessness, such as:
- Hot meals and clothing
- Access to showers and laundry facilities
- Counseling and comprehensive case management services
- Referrals to healthcare, including both medical and mental health services
- Assistance with job searches, and help applying for benefits and social services
Below are the drop-in center locations across the five boroughs of New York City:
Bronx
The Living Room
800 Barretto St. (at Lafayette Avenue)
By Subway: 6 train to Hunts Point Avenue
Brooklyn
Gathering Place
2402 Atlantic Ave. (between Sackman Street and Jardine Place)
By Subway: A train to Broadway Junction
Manhattan
Mainchance
120 East 32nd St. (between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue)
By Subway: 6 train to 33rd Street
Olivieri Center for Homeless
257 West 30th St. (between 7th Avenue and 8th Avenue)
By Subway: A, C, E, 1, 2, or 3 train to 34th Street-Penn Station
Queens
Breaking Ground
100-32 Atlantic Ave. (at 102nd Street)
Staten Island
Project Hospitality
150 Richmond Terrace (between Wall Street and Schuyler Street)
These centers provide immediate care and ongoing support, helping individuals navigate the challenges of homelessness with dignity and access to vital resources.
