The Department of Homeless Services oversees shelter placement and the providers who operate many of the shelters in New York City. While clients have certain rights regarding their shelter placement, DHS also has certain rules regarding transfers that are important for clients to understand.
If you are homeless in New York City you have a right to apply for shelter – and if you have no where else to go – you have a right to receive a shelter placement. However, DHS is generally not able to accommodate requests for placement in specific shelters or boroughs.
If you have a documented health or safety risk in a specific neighborhood, borough, or at a specific shelter, you have the right to have your needs accommodated. You must present documentation of these risks to the Department of Homeless Services.
Only DHS can authorize shelter transfers.
DHS can transfer you to another site, if necessary, for a number of reasons. They must provide 48 hours notice, on business days, of a transfer, in which case you can appeal to your shelter or DHS if you disagree.
If you are transferred, you still have the right to be safe and healthy in your placement. If there is a health or safety risk, get documentation as described above.
You can also read DHS’ transfer policy and download a flyer outlining your rights.
I am unsafe or my shelter placement is inaccessible
If you find you have an urgent safety concern at your shelter or find that your placement is not accessible for your needs, please contact an advocate in the Crisis Intervention Program by calling our hotline at 1-888-358-2384 to discuss further with an advocate. It is possible to request a transfer or reasonable accommodations if there are documented health or safety needs at your current shelter placement.
