Food & Housing
MEALS AND FOOD ASSISTANCE
NYC Free “Grab and Go” Meals: For ALL New Yorkers. No questions asked. No ID/registration/documentation needed. Take-out only. Meals can be picked up from 3PM - 5PM on school days only, and multiple meals can be picked up at the same time. Over 200 locations across the five NYC boroughs. Find the location nearest you here. You can also text ‘FOOD’ or ‘COMIDA’ to 877-877 to find a location near you.
Food Bank For NYC Find Food and Soup Kitchens that are all over NYC: map includes places that have switched to “grab and go meals” to prevent spread. Member food banks can also direct you to SNAP enrolment sites.
Bowery Mission Free to-go meals served outdoors at 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM everyday, no ID/documentation required. Canned goods can be picked up on weekdays from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM. Find directions here
Hunger Free America Neighborhood guides to Food and Assistance in multiple languages available here
Emergency Food Hotline If you need emergency food assistance, call the Emergency Food Hotline at 866-888-8777 or 311 or use the map here to find a local pantry or kitchen. There is no income limit for emergency food.
NYC Food Delivery Assistance A service delivering meals to individuals and families who cannot access food themselves. Fill out the form here to sign up and see if you qualify. Note: If you qualify, you are limited to ordering two meal deliveries per week and you will need to re-register every 2 weeks to continue receiving food deliveries.
Plentiful An app and website which lists many of the food pantries in NYC and allows people to make appointments for food pick up with participating pantries. Find more information here.
NeON Nutrition Kitchens Food pantries that provide recipes and nutrition guidance in addition to free non-perishable food. Free for all New Yorkers and located in all five boroughs. The Brooklyn location now distributes prepared meals. See locations and hours here.
SNAP Can apply online here or by smartphone with the ACCESS HRA app. After submitting the application, call 718-762-7669 Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 5:00pm to complete your eligibility interview. A new version of the ACCESS HRA app will be available on February 21st. Any SNAP application draft not yet completed will be deleted at 6:00pm on February 20th. SNAP benefits can now be used to shop online for fresh produce and groceries and have them delivered: Use your EBT card at these stores: ShopRite, Amazon, and Walmart. Note that delivery fees cannot be paid with SNAP.
Below is a list of community organizations that can provide assistance by answering general questions about SNAP and questions about eligibility for SNAP:
Bronx: Part of the Solution (718)-220-4892 ext 113 (English/Spanish)
Brooklyn: RiseBoro (347) 628-833 (English/Spanish)
Manhattan: CPC (212) 431-7800 (English/Cantonese/Mandarin)
Queens: Hunger Free NYC (646) 863-7122; (646) 350-0353 (English/Spanish)
Staten Island: CHASI (929) 314-6405 (English/Yoruba); (718) 873-3530 (English/Spanish)
City Wide: Hunger Free NYC (646) 953-3513 (English/Cantonese/Mandarin)Hunger Solutions New York: For help applying for SNAP and WIC, and for finding other food assistance programs based on your county, visit the website here.
Eat Smart New York: This is an online nutrition program that is free for all individuals who qualify for SNAP. You can access the program here.
Fresh EBT: This is an app that you can use to check your EBT benefits and balance on your phone. You can find more information and download it here.
Coronavirus NYC Neighborhood Food Resource Guides: Find a guide of food resources for your neighborhood here.
City Harvest The link here is to a map which shows all locations throughout NYC distributing food, free of charge, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This map also includes City Harvest Mobile Markets and Community Partner Mobile Markets in addition to the soup kitchens and food pantries (including closings), emergency food distribution sites, DOE School Food Hubs, and NYC Restaurants distributing free food. If you are part of a Community Organization and are interested in receiving emergency food from City Harvest for your organization, fill out the form here.
God’s Love We Deliver Provides food delivery services for people too sick to shop or cook for themselves. Find out more information at www.glwd.org and 212-294-8100. Fill out the form here to see if you qualify.
Rethink Food NYC: Rethink Cafe offers free, fresh meals to all New Yorkers in addition to a food pantry with hand-picked items.. Rethink Cafe on Wheels is a food truck that offers low/no cost meals throughout Brooklyn. Location and hours can be found here. If you are part of a Community Based Organization, fill out the form here to request free meals delivered to your community.
GrowNYC Local farmer’s markets that offer boxes of fresh produce at a reduced price. SNAP/EBT and Health Bucks are accepted. Locations and hours can be found here.
Volunteering
Food banks in NYC are short on volunteers. If you have the time and means and would like to volunteer, visit the NYC Service website here.
Grocery Store Delivery Grocery stores throughout the city are offering delivery services. Click here to see a list of grocery delivery options for New Yorkers.
FAMILIES, CHILDREN AND YOUTH
NYC Public School Information about COVID-19 This page will have updates from NYC Department of Education about food, including school lunches, menus, food benefits, and take-out meals. You can also download the school food app by visiting this page here.
Grab and Go Lunches: Free breakfast and lunch to-go meals are available for all NYC students, on school days from 9AM to 12PM. Parents and guardians are welcome to pick up meals for their children. Find a location near you by clicking here.
NYC Food Hub The website contains a map here for public school students and their families. There are specific pick up times and instructions for each restaurant/location which can be accessed by clicking on the icon on the map.
US Department of Agriculture The USDA has created a map here for finding free meals for kids. Click on each location for more information and directions.
P-EBT All families with children enrolled in public school for 2019-2020 school year should receive a Pandemic-EBT card in the mail with up to $420 to spend on groceries if they have not already received one. Wealthier families should still spend the card when they receive it in order to help local businesses, and can consider donating an equivalent sum to local COVID-19 relief efforts. If you have not yet received P-EBT for your child, contact the NY state EBT office using this form here or call the P-EBT helpline, 1-833-452-0096. P-EBT benefits for the 2020-2021 school year will not be distributed until January 2021 at the earliest. You can find updates and frequently asked questions regarding P-EBT here.
Community Food Advocates This website here contains easy to follow graphics and cartoons explaining P-EBT, free meals for students and adults, and finding food assistance.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) WIC provides free healthy food and services to low-income women and children, including nutrition counseling, breastfeeding support, health education, and referrals. Fathers and other caregivers may apply for their children too.
- WIC is NOT suspending eWIC cards, although there are scams online stating this. Benefits are valid through the “Benefits valid throug” date
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WIC on-site appointments are limited however many NYS WIC offices are available to provide services by phone for appointments
- To receive WIC you don’t need to be a US citizen but requires proof of identity, income, and address
ADULTS
Contactless Food Delivery Services: Uber Eats, Grubhub and Postmates are offering contact-free delivery
Books for Eating Well on a Budget: The New York Public Library has put together a list of free e-books here that can show you how to eat well without spending too much money.
OLDER ADULTS
Invisible Hands An organization that is delivering groceries and other needs to your homes, as well as picking up mail-in ballots. If you are elderly or immunocompromised and are self-isolating in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens, please reach out and fill this form below Invisible Hands Form.
City Meals on Wheels You can also receive meals by looking up their information here, or can request help from the Corona Couriers (a collective of cyclists willing to courier supplies to people in need for free, using the low contact methods first implemented in Wuhan) by emailing coronacourier@protonmail.com.
NYC Department for the Aging A service which can provide home delivered meals, first must contact 311 for Case Manager assessment, more info can be found here
Direct Delivery Food for Seniors
Call 212-244-6469 for seniors age 60+
RiseBoro Home-Delivered Meals for Seniors Home-bound seniors living in Brooklyn can receive free meals delivered 6 days per week, with a chilled meal delivered on Saturday to eat on Sunday. See contact information on the RiseBoro website here.
Senior Shopping Hours Below is a list of stores in NYC with dedicated shopping hours:
Whole Foods Opens one hour earlier for a dedicated hour of shopping for individuals over 60 years old. For most NYC stores this is 7am–8am, for some it will be 8am–9am. Find your local Whole Foods here to verify their hours.
Dollar General
The first hour of shopping (8am–9am) every day is dedicated to senior shoppers.
Target The first hour of shopping every Tuesday and Wednesday morning is dedicated to vulnerable shoppers, including older adults and those with underlying conditions. The CVS pharmacies located within Target will be open during the senior shopping hour too. Click here to find your local store and its hours.
Fairway Market Reserves 8am–9am every day for shoppers aged 65 and older and people with increased susceptibility to serious illness.
Stop & Shop Opens early and reserves 6am–7:30am every day for older and more vulnerable customers.
Trader Joe’s
8am to 9am reserved for senior customers (age 60 and over) and customers with disabilities who may need extra assistance.
Aldi Every Tuesday and Thursday they are opening early at 8:30am to reserve the first hour of shopping for senior citizens, expectant mothers and those with underlying health concerns.
Walgreens/Duane Reade Every Tuesday from 8am to 9am is senior shopping time, additionally shoppers 55+ get special discounts on Tuesdays.
Morton WilliamsBetween 7am and 8am is prioritized for senior citizens and immunocompromised patrons
Key Foods
Senior hours are from 7-8am every day.
Food Bazaar Supermarket Customers over 60 can shop from 7-8am daily.
HOUSING
Resources from the New York City Housing Preservation & Development
COVID-19 updates here Housing Court Answers COVID-19 Resources here
Search for NYC housing resources here
Get more information on COVID-19-related services here
Department of Social Services FAQ’s here
Visit the NYC Tenant Resource Portal to access free resources from the City to help prevent eviction
What if I have tested positive or am self-isolating for potential contact with COVID-19?You DO NOT have to leave to tell your apartment and are protected under discrimination laws and eviction moratorium. If you are experiencing any threats to be evicted, please fill out this form to report it.
COVID Rent Relief Program:
Starting July 16th, renters impacted by the pandemic can apply to this new rental assistance program through New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR)
*NEW* The current application period is open until February 1st, 2021. Previous applicants do not have to reapply to be reconsidered. These applicants will be re-evaluated according to the new eligibility criteria and issue revised determination letters to applicants
The program will provide direct aid for tenants who lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the form of a one-time rental subsidy that will be send directly to the tenants landlord
Learn more about the new program, eligibility requirements, and access the application HERE
The Tenant Safe Harbor Act was passed on June 30, 2020. It states that if a tenant has experienced a financial hardship between March 7, 2020 and the date that all COVID-19 related restrictions are lifted in the region, landlords may not evict the tenant for failing to pay rent first owed during that period.
Note that even though tenants cannot be evicted by landlord’s under this act, a court can still allow landlords to take action to collect unpaid rent from tenants
Evictions This guidance is expected to change frequently - please call the Tenant Helpline to hear the latest updates (call 311 and say “Tenant Helpline”)
*UPDATED* The state’s moratorium on COVID-related residential evictions has been extended to May 1, 2021 under the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Act of 2020.
-This act prevents residential evictions, foreclosure proceedings, credit discrimination and negative credit reporting related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also extends the Senior Citizens’ Homeowner Exemption and Disabled Homeowner Exemption from 2020 to 2021.This extension ONLY covers those who have suffered financial hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis or who qualify for unemployment. Contact the Tenant’s Rights Hotline at 212-979-0611 to see if you are covered under the moratorium extension.
-Tenants must submit a hardship declaration, or a document explaining the source of the hardship, to prevent evictions. Landlords can evict tenants that are creating safety or health hazards to other tenants or have not submitted a hardship declaration.
-See the second dropdown here for more information on submitting hardship declarations and qualifications
As of November 3, 2020, tenants who have not answered a nonpayment petition filed against them must file an answer with the court
-Tenants with nonpayment eviction cases filed on or before November 3, 2020 should file their answer by December 31, 2020
-Tenants against whom a nonpayment petition is filed after November 3, 2020 have the ordinary legal period of 10 days to file an answer
-Failure to answer an eviction petition could lead to a default judgement against you, which could lead to eviction
-More information available here
The Landlord Tenant Mediation Project helps landlords and tenants create an agreement outside of Housing Court to resolve issues that include but are not limited to unpaid rent, lease concerns, or move outs
-Mediation is free
-Tenants can participate in this program regardless of their immigration status
-Mediation is not right for everybody - learn if you and your landlord are good candidates here or call 311 and ask for the “Tenant Helpline”
-Renters facing financial hardship due to COVID-19 are allowed to use their security deposit as payment and repay their security deposit over time.
-If a city marshal tries to evict you, DO NOT COMPLY and call 212-825-5953, the Bureau of City Marshals. They have suspended all eviction proceedings.
-HRA's Office of Civil Justice (OCJ) has partnered with nonprofit legal services providers across New York City to offer Universal Access to Counsel by Phone - phone-based access to free legal advice and counsel for New York City residential renters in need of assistance with legal issues related to their housing. More information available here, or email civiljustice@hra.nyc.gov
New York City Housing Court operations:
-Eviction cases pending as of December 28, 2020 in NYC Housing Court are suspended until at least Feberuary 26, 2021. -Eviction cases commenced from December 29, 2020 through January 27, 2021 will also be suspended for at least 60 days. If you are a respondent in a pending eviction case, you may not be evicted while your case is suspended. -If you are facing a pending eviction case (and are not causing a nuisance or danger to others), you cannot be evicted until May 1, 2021 if you provide a Hardship Declaration to your landlord, their attorney or agent, or to the Housing Court.
-NYC Housing Court is open for cases to restore you to your apartment if your landlord locks you out without a court order, if you need emergency repairs, or if you need critical services like heat or hot water. Cases can be started over the phone or electronically and you can appear without coming to a court building. For more information, visit the Housing Court’s website here or call toll-free (833) 503-044
Affordable Housing Seekers
As of July 2020, all new affordable housing opportunities will be available on the new version of NYC Housing Connect (click here).
There have been several changes to the affordable housing lottery process, including faster appeal timelines, relaxed document requirements, and an overall faster application timeline. More information and Housing Connect Application Guides available here.
Free financial counseling through Ready to Rent will be conducted over the phone. Book an appointment with a counselor and access the Financial Empowerment Portal here.
Housing Ambassadors from non-profits across the city are available to help you apply for Housing Connect. Visit this website to find which services are available over the phone at this time.
Reporting
Concerned about eviction and want more help? Contact the Tenant Rights Hotline, which now has extended hours. Call 212-979-0611, Mon & Wed 1:30-8pm, Tue 5:30-8pm (NEW), or Fri 1:30-5pm.
To report housing code violations, call 311 or the Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) Tenant Information Hotline (212-863-8307).
Section 8 Housing During the COVID-19 pandemic, NYC HPD plans to ensure Section 8 voucher holders retain unbroken access to housing. To accomplish this:
- Vouchers set to expire will be automatically renewed. Clients do not need to reach out for an extension
- Subsidy terminations in process are suspended until further notice. Tenant conferences and briefings are postponed, and appeal hearings are cancelled. *HPD will continue to pay subsidy until final determinations are made.
- Non-emergency Housing Quality Standard inspections are suspended.
- The Section 8 team is still available, at DTRAI@hpd.nyc.gov See here for a comprehensive outline on how Section 8 processes are being managed at this time
Rent Assistance and HardshipIf you had reduced income and cannot pay for rent due to COVID-19, see above that you will NOT be evicted, but can apply for Cash Assistance via the online HRA form or call the HRA info line at 718-557-1399.
If you receive Cash Assistance and have lost your job or had a change in income, you do not need to submit a new application. Please submit documents that prove the change in your income.
If your benefits were set to expire on August 31, 2020, your benefits have been extended for 6 (six) months. You will need to recertify at the end of this 6-month period.
If your benefits are set to expire on or after September 30, 2020, you must submit a recertification form if you would like to continue receiving benefits
NYCHA has simplified its Rent Hardship Policy during the COVID-19 crisis. See here for a detailed list on who can apply, what you need to apply, and three different ways to apply for Rent Hardship.
If you have experienced prolonged income reduction during COVID-19, you may be eligible for a reduced rent during this time. More information available here about eligibility for lowered rent during COVID-19 and at the NYCHA website here
NYC Housing Authority- For residents of NYCHA Buildings:
There will be no in-person rent-collection, but the property management offices will help residents by phone/email, and will accept documentation electronically.
The NYC Housing authority will only be responding to emergency work requests for health and staffing reasons. For emergency repairs, call 718-707-7771.
Property Management Offices are open with reduced staff; direct-contact meetings and Wednesday evening hours have been suspended. Staff will continue to assist residents via telephone, email, and from behind the reception desk only.
All proactive pest inspections and treatments have been suspended. Work will continue to be conducted in common areas and basements. Learn more here.
NYCHA building residents are required to wear a face covering when in public spaces on NYCHA developments, including hallways, elevators, lobbies, and pathways. (4/20 update)
Access to Free Testing: In addition to the five community-based testing sites already established, the City is increasing access to free testing for NYCHA residents by opening six additional sites at or near NYCHA developments. The six sites operated by NYC Health + Hospitals will offer free walk-in COVID-19 testing prioritized for NYCHA residents. Click on “Testing Sites” in this link for more information. (4/28 update)
Cleaning Schedule: NYCHA’s third-party vendor is sanitizing common areas three times a week at family developments and five times a week at senior developments. View the cleaning schedules on NYCHA’s website here.
Follow updates with the MyNYCHA app.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
HEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income homeowners and renters pay for utility and heating bills. The application period has been extended to June 30th. For info, click here. To apply, click here.
Emergency Housing Services
Intake and registration are suspended. If you have been displaced from your home as a result of a vacate order or a fire incident and need shelter, please contact the American National Red Cross at 1-877-733-2767. Please contact your assigned Case Manager for services. If you have trouble contacting your Case Manager, call 212-863-6770 or email ehs-remote@hpd.nyc.gov
Service Suspensions
Planned outages have resumed at NYCHA developments, including preventative maintenance and capital improvement work
All in-person public meetings and events at NYCHA offices and developments are postponed or moved to web/telephone until further notice.
NYCHA has suspended resident evictions during the state of emergency. Residents experiencing income loss are being directed to NYCHA's rent hardship program.
NYCHA's Administrative Hearing Office is postponing all cases until April 17th; this date may be extended as needed.
NYCHA has suspended resident evictions until at least October 1st. Residents experiencing income loss are being directed to NYCHA's rent hardship program.
The Brooklyn and Bronx Customer Contact Walk-in Centers are closed to the public until further notice.
DYCD Community Centers are currently closed.
The Customer Contact Center (CCC) has resumed taking calls in addition to emergency work orders. If your call is in relation to a non-emergency maintenance request, CCC representatives will take your request, which will be scheduled at a later date once NYCHA staff resume routine repairs inside apartments. The CCC can be reached at (718) 707-7771.
Landlords should correct all violations as soon as possible and then certify the corrective action by mail or using eCertification.
For those at risk of homelessness, use Homebase Services or call 311 This pertains to people at risk of entering the shelter system imminently, who want to remain stably housed, or who are of low income. This service can provide:
- Help with Obtaining Public Benefits
- Short Term Financial Assistance
- Relocation Help
- Job Assistance
Building staff
FAQ for NYC building owners, managers, and staff available here.
Information for property owners and landlords pertaining to property taxes, loans, mortgage forbearance, estate planning, and foreclosures available here
Mitchell Lama Housing Program
Deadline to file delayed until July 31, managing agents will calculate surcharges based on 2019 Income Affidavits that will take effect on September 1, 2020. Current surcharges remain in effect until September 1, 2020. For more info, click here.
YOUTH
Students/Foster Youth If you are or know of a foster youth that is staying at a college dorm room that is going to be closed due to the coronavirus, please email info@togetherwerise.org and they will provide or help you find housing during this transition.
See here for national and local resources for foster youth, K-12 students, and college students.
OLDER ADULTS
Nursing Homes: Starting July 20th, New York will allow visits to nursing homes and long-term care facilities on a limited basis. Visits will be allowed at facilities that have been free of new COVID cases for at least 28 days. Only 2 visitors are allowed per resident and they must undergo a temperature check, wear a mask, and social distance while visiting.
Daily health screenings and surgical mask use are required of all nursing home workers.
Senior Center ProgrammingNYCHA Senior Centers in-person programming is suspended, but centers are serving as grab-and-go sites for seniors to pick up food.
Safety for SeniorsIf you do not feel safe at home, or if you feel pressured, bullied, or scared by anyone, call the Aging's Resource Center at 1-212-442-3101 (9am-5pm)
Senior HealthGet help with Medicare and receive free recurring social check-in calls with a volunteer through Aging Connect. Call Aging Connect at 212-244-6469
SCRIE (Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption)The SCRIE unit at HPD is closed until further notice. Applications are being accepted by email or mail. In the event reinstatement or new application processes are delayed, HPD will issue retroactive SCRIE payments on behalf of seniors that are determined to be eligible for the SCRIE program. More information is available here.
Email: scrie@hpd.nyc.gov
Mail: SCRIE Unit
100 Gold Street
Rm 7M-3
New York, NY 10038
The website was developed as a service provided by medical students in New York City.
This website provides selected information available about a range of disease topics. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that consumers rely on the advice of a health care professional to employ good clinical judgment for the specific conditions of individual patients. This information is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a health care professional, or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan. External sites are not necessarily endorsed by the medical students who created this website.
This website provides selected information available about a range of disease topics. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over time. It is important that consumers rely on the advice of a health care professional to employ good clinical judgment for the specific conditions of individual patients. This information is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a health care professional, or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan. External sites are not necessarily endorsed by the medical students who created this website.