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Accessing Emergency Shelter on Long Island

Emergency Shelter Placements on Long Island are almost exclusively through the County Department of Social Services.

How to Apply for Shelter through DSS:

Nassau County

  • Address: 60 Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Uniondale NY

  • Daytime Applications: Call 516-227-8519. You must visit the Center by 12:00 PM to apply for shelter.

  • Nighttime Applications: Call the emergency number at 516-573-8626.

  • Warm Bed Hotline: 1-866-927-6233 (24 Hours)

  • More information: Nassau County Social Services.

Suffolk County

  • Addresses:

    • Coram Center: 80 Middle Country Road, Coram 11727 631-854-2300

    • MacArthur Center: 3455 Veterans Memorial Highway, Ronkonkoma 11779- 631-854-9429

    • Riverhead Center: 893 E. Main Street Riverhead 11901- 631-852-3500

    • Smithtown Center: 200 Wireless Boulevard Hauppauge 11788- 631-863-8714

    • Southwest Center: 2 South 2nd Street, Deer Park 11729- 631-854-6600

  • Daytime Applications: Call 631-854-9935 or 631-854-9936. Starting Winter 2024, families and individuals can call ahead to request shelter placement and avoid long waits at the Center.

  • After 4:30 PM: Call the night emergency number at 631-854-9100.

  • More information: Suffolk County Social Services.

 

If you are fleeing domestic violence and need emergency shelter, click here:  The Safe Center

  • You may also report to DSS and notify them that you are fleeing DV and in need of DV shelter options.

Shelter Eligibility Guidelines

No Other Housing Options

  • You must have nowhere else to stay. If you can stay with family, friends, or have the money to motel yourself, you may not be eligible.

  • You must not have an open Social Services case in another county or state

Identification requirements

  • Proof of Social Security Number

  • Undocumented Single Adults are not eligible for shelter EXCEPT during Code Blue (32 degrees or below)

Required Information

  • Full personal details including- Full name, Date of Birth, Social Security Number, information on all household members

Financial Requirements

  • You must report all income and assets

  • You cannot have more than the cost of one night in a local hotel in your possession. You will need to spend this down and re-apply once it is gone.

Sobriety Requirement

  • You cannot be under the influence of alcohol or drugs to enter any shelter, including Code Blue Shelters and Warming Centers.

CODE BLUE:  Code Blue is a local regulation that requires the local department of social services to waive certain shelter eligibility restrictions for people who have nowhere to go, when the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Immigration status & sanction status can be lifted temporarily during code blue!

Accessing Shelter Outside of DSS placement:

Shelter placement outside of DSS sheltering options are very limited, and mostly only during the winter months*

Nassau County Non-DSS Shelter Resources

Salvation Army Workforce Housing Program

  • Faith-based, 18-month program in Hempstead (men) and Rochester, NY (women).

  • Eligible: Undocumented immigrants, individuals with felony convictions.

  • Not Eligible: Registered Sex Offenders, Convicted Arsonists.

  • Contact: Call 800-728-7825

  • Requirements: Must be 18+ and clean with a valid negative TB test. Those not clean will be referred to detox (1-2 weeks)

Salvation Army Rehabilitation Program

  • Location: 194 Front Street, Hempstead, NY

  • 8-hour workday, therapy, counseling, chapel services, and weekly stipend.

  • Contact: Major Patrick O'Gara | Patrick.OGara@USE.SalvationArmy.Org | Main: (516) 481-7600 / 800-728-7825

Suffolk County Resources

Suffolk County Non-DSS Shelter Resources

Hope House Ministries - Pax Christi Hospitality Center

 

  • Location: 255 Oakland Ave, Port Jefferson

  • 24-bed emergency shelter for men (16+), with outreach/drop-in services for men and women (food, showers, clothing, counseling).

  • Will accept undocumented men if beds are available; call early.

  • Call: (631) 928-9108

Huntington Interfaith Homeless Initiative (HIHI)

  • Winter Shelter Program: November-March for single adults in Huntington.

  • Breathalyzer test required. Accepts undocumented individuals.

  • Call: 631-427-3700 | restorehope@fsl-li.org

Maureen’s Haven

  • Winter Shelter Program: November-March for single adults.

  • Meeting Spot: Riverhead LIRR; rotating church locations (Riverhead/East End).

  • Call: 631-727-6831

Veteran Resources

  • Veteran shelter and transitional housing for VA-eligible veterans.
    Local: 631-261-4400 ext. 7192
    National Helpline: 877-4AID-VET

HAVEN at Centerpoint Church

(Accepts Undocumented Individuals)

 

Youth Shelter Resources

Family and Children’s Association (FCA)- Nassau Haven

 

  • Emergency shelter for unaccompanied youth (under 21) in Nassau County.
    Call: (516) 221-1310 | Text: (516) 427-9354

Hope for Youth

  • Emergency shelter for unaccompanied youth under 18 in Suffolk County.
    24/7 Hotline: 516-659-0923

Breath of Life Maternity Home

  • Shelter for pregnant women through delivery and up to baby’s first birthday.
    Location: 1930 Veterans Hwy, Islandia, NY
    Call: (631) 738-8829 | bolcenter@optonline.net

Veteran Resources

  • Veteran shelter and transitional housing for VA-eligible veterans.
    Local: 631-261-4400 ext. 7192
    National Helpline: 877-4AID-VET

Timothy Hill Ranch- Riverhead Campus

  • Housing for homeless individuals 18-24. Primary group residence for ages 13-21.
    Location: 298 Middle Road, Riverhead
    Contact: Arlene Fichter | (631) 369-1234 | Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 AM-5 PM

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