Know Your Rights
The following list provides resources to protect your family.
HOUSING
The NYC Department of Homeless Services (“DHS”) will provide temporary emergency shelter to any family that is found eligible. To be found eligible, you must prove that your family does not have any safe and appropriate pace to stay, even temporarily. You will be asked to provide documents that prove you are homeless, including eviction papers, marshal’s 72-hour notices and letters from landlords and managing agents. For complete information on DHS eligibility requirements and where to apply, click here.
EDUCATION
Homeless children are entitled to a free and appropriate public education. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act is a federal law specifically passed to help remove barriers to school enrollment, attendance and success in school and promote continuity for children who are experiencing instability with their housing. To learn what you need to know to enroll your child in school, click here.
SAFETY FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
No one has to suffer in silence … stop living with domestic violence or sexual abuse for yourself
or your children today. The Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence has compiled a complete resource list of NYC organizations that can help. For more information, click here.
HEALTH CARE
The Floating Hospital never refuses needed primary care health services for a homeless family based on an inability to pay. Check out our comprehensive list of medical, dental and mental health services and ask your case manager to call today to make an appointment and arrange for free transportation from your shelter. To learn about TFH's health care services, click here.
