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Community Resources

Choose a category below to find resources in greater New York City. We hope that you find these resources helpful. We provide them for informational purposes only and they are not intended to comprise a complete list. Links to non-HSS websites are not meant as endorsements or recommendations by HSS or its faculty.

Transportation

  • Access-A-Ride
    • Provides public transportation for eligible customers who have disabilities that prevent them from using the public buses and subways. Application and approval required, see site for more details.
  • MTA Reduced Fare
    • Information on discounted public transportation options
  • Medical Answering Service (MAS)
    • Transportation services for Medicaid recipients with a physician-approved need.
  • Westchester Bee-Line Paratransit
    • Bee-Line ParaTransit is a shared ride service providing transportation to the elderly and disabled population in Westchester County and along Bee-Line bus service corridors in accordance to ADA regulation.
  • The Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY
    • Benefits counselors can assist with finding the appropriate package of health care coverage, SNAP (food stamps), Social Security, and other benefits
  • Crime Victims Board
    • Provides critical services and support for victims of crimes and their families
  • LawHelp.org
    • Online tools, legal information and referral directories
  • Legal Aid Society
    • Comprehensive services, support, and advocacy that protect rights, keep families and communities together
  • New York Legal Assistance Group
    • Comprehensive free civil legal services, financial empowerment, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community partnerships
  • Medicare Rights Center
    • Works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities through counseling and advocacy, educational programs, and public policy initiatives
  • Office of the Public Advocate of NYC, Ombudsman Services Unit
    • Provides oversight for city agencies, investigating citizens' complaints about city services and making proposals to address perceived shortcomings or failures of those services
  • Community Service Society
    • Promotes economic independence through expanding access to health care, affordable housing, employment, opportunities for individuals with conviction histories, debt assistance, and more

Aging

  • Association on Aging in New York
    • Works in collaboration with the aging network to promote independence, preserve dignity, and advocate on the behalf of aging New Yorkers and their families.

Children, Teens and Families

  • NYC TeenSpace
    • Free mental health support program available to any teenager age 13 to 17 living in New York City
  • Parent to Parent NYS
    • A supportive network of families to reduce isolation and empower those who care for people with developmental disabilities or special healthcare needs to navigate and influence service systems and make informed decisions.
  • Starlight Children’s Foundation NY, NJ, CT
    • Vital services ease the boredom, distract from the endless pokes or pain, and inspire imagination to help kids feel better, including special hospital gowns, toy delivery, and gaming

Counseling and Mental Health Resources

  • Ackerman Institute for the Family
    • Premier institution for family, individual therapy, and therapeutic training
  • Hamilton Madison House
    • The Behavioral Health program is the largest outpatient clinic focused on the Asian community in the east coast. Additional services for older adults, newly immigrated persons, and children are available.
  • Henry Street Settlement (Includes Parent Center)
    • A New York State-certified mental health facility, the CCC delivers outpatient mental health services, crisis services, Asian bicultural services, vocational rehabilitation, housing support and job training opportunities, as well as legal and financial services and screenings for entitlement benefits and food stamp enrollment.
  • Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy
    • Offers an extensive range of psychotherapeutic services tailored to meet individual needs
  • Karen Horney Clinic
    • Offers low-cost psychoanalytic and psychotherapeutic services and provides training and opportunities for advanced mental health professionals
  • Community Counseling and Mediation
    • Works in underserved Brooklyn communities and with at-risk New York City populations to address the root causes of family instability, complex trauma, homelessness, and unhealthy personal choices
  • Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services
    • Provides both mental health and social services for children and adults
  • Metropolitan Center for Mental Health
    • Provides affordable psychological and psychiatric treatment to support the emotional well-being of people living in its surrounding community. Our mission to serve all members of our community regardless of financial or cultural barriers
  • Postgraduate Center for Mental Health
    • Residential housing for persons with mental health needs, as well as a full spectrum of outpatient mental health psychiatric and therapeutic services.
  • Puerto Rican Family Institute
    • A Multi-Ethnic, Multi-Cultural Social, Educational, and Healthcare Institution servicing all New York City and Puerto Rico Communities, providing mental healthcare, Head Start programs, Health Home programs, and crisis intervention.
  • The Center for Coping
    • Mental health services for a broad spectrum of needs, for children and adults

Disabilities

Diagnosis-Specific Resources

Lupus

  • Lupus Research Alliance
    • Focused on lupus research that spans the full continuum from basic science to translational and clinical research to accelerate the discovery and development of patient-centered treatments and diagnostics
  • Lupus Foundation of America
    • Information and resources focused on advocacy and support for persons with SLE and their caregivers
  • LupusConnect
    • An online lupus community where individuals with lupus and their loved ones can engage with others like them to share experiences, find emotional support and discuss practical insights for coping with the daily challenges of the disease.
  • More Than Lupus
    • Provides programs and support for those living with lupus, advocate for their needs, and collaborate with other government and lupus organizations to strive toward improving quality of life, and ultimately finding a cure.
  • Looms For Lupus
    • Provides an environment for education and outreach to Lupus and Fibromyalgia survivors and their family members through multiple avenues such as hands-on workshops, informational clinics, bilingual resources, and psychosomatic support groups for overall physical and mental health.

Inflammatory Arthritis

  • Arthritis Foundation
    • Free educational materials, newsletters, webinars, on-line support and discussion community, resource locater. Education and support tailored for adults, newly diagnosed, children and young adults. An app to track daily activities and symptoms. Some resources are also in Spanish.
  • Creaky Joints
    • Disease-specific patient education, advocacy and well-monitored on-line support communities for people with arthritis. Patient centered resources In English and Spanish. Also provides up to date, accurate COVID specific information and on-line support tailored to people with rheumatic disease.
  • National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
    • Information about rheumatology health topics for patient, caregivers and healthcare providers. Includes information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, self- management strategies in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese

Myositis

  • The Myositis Association
    • Advocacy, resources, patient educations, and support services
  • Myositis Support and Understanding
    • Offers a wide range of resources designed to support those with myositis and their families, including live support sessions, as well as video and audio-only formats, along with online support groups that foster connection and understanding, and a Financial Assistance Program

Scleroderma

Sjogren’s

Spondyloarthritis

  • Spondylitis Association of America (SAA)
    • Educational resources and advocacy for people with Spondyloarthritis, including AS, PsA . Support groups throughout the US, led by trained peer volunteers who have spondyloarthritis. Well- monitored on-line message boards and forums.
  • Spondykids
    • Part of SAA - an on-line community for children with Juvenile Spondyloarthritis (JSpA), and their parents. Includes written resources and webinars for peds, such as IEP and 504, transition to college, and child-adolescent focused disease specific content re: management and coping. Resources for parents.

Domestic Violence

  • Adult Protective Services
    • Provides services for physically and/or mentally impaired adults, helping at-risk clients live safely in their homes
    • Supports the healing of survivors of interpersonal violence through crisis intervention, individual and group trauma-focused therapy, legal advocacy, complementary therapy, psychiatric consultation, prevention training and community education.
  • National Domestic Violence 24 Hour Hotline
    • Housing, legal, and supportive services for victims of interpersonal violence
  • NYS Chat/Text hotline
  • NYS Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Bilingual Hotline
    • 800-942-6906
  • Sanctuary for Families
    • Sanctuary for Families is New York's leading service provider and advocate for survivors of domestic violence, sex trafficking, and related forms of gender violence, including legal, support, and advocacy services.

Entitlements and Insurance

  • NYC311
    • Official website for information about all NYC Services, as well as a portal for reporting issues/problems with housing and/or other city services
  • Community Service Society of New York: Public Benefits Portal
    • Information about and resources for obtaining various public benefits, including SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) and insurance programs
  • New York State of Health: Elderly Prescription Insurance Coverage Program (EPIC)
    • New York State program for persons 65 and older, which provides secondary coverage for Medicare Part D and EPIC-covered drugs purchased after any Medicare Part D deductible is met, and also covers approved Part D-excluded drugs once a member is enrolled in Part D.
  • New York State of Health Marketplace
    • Access to the HealthPlan marketplace, including enrollment assistance and informational resources
  • New York Medicaid CHOICE
    • Medicaid enrollment information for New Yorkers, including information about health plans, long-term care, and other benefits
  • New York State Department of Health – Medicaid
    • Department of Health-provided information about qualifying for and enrolling in Medicaid plans in New York.
  • NYConnects
    • NYC Health Insurance Information Counseling And Assistance Program (Hiicap) provides answers to questions about health insurance for seniors, including prescription drug coverage
  • Social Security Administration
    • Search for information on benefits, including Disability, Medicare, and more
  • RX Assist Patient Assistance Program Center
    • Large searchable database of prescription assistance programs
  • Good Rx
    • Large database of medications without assistance programs to assist in locating lower-tier/generic medications at a lower cost
  • Well Rx
    • Large database of medications without assistance programs to assist in locating lower-tier/generic medications at a lower cost

Housing

  • Offices in Manhattan and Queens provide benefits counseling, independent living skills development, direct services (e.g., housing assistance, employment-related assistance, healthcare access, peer counseling, nursing home transition and diversion, and youth transition), information and referrals, and recreational activities. All services are free.
  • Provides information and access to housing for homeless people with psychiatric disabilities and other special needs.
  • Offers a range of services to support housing, including Street Outreach, Transitional Housing, and Permanent Supportive and Affordable Housing, as well as benefits assistance, primary and mental healthcare, and substance use referrals.
  • Advocates for increased funding for public and affordable housing; strengthens opportunities for public housing residents; and connects families faced with housing difficulties to resources and support.
  • Comprehensive resources for persons experiencing homelessness, including shelter information and other available services
  • Provides eviction and homelessness prevention services, including legal assistance, for residents of the East Side of Manhattan. Catchment area is 42nd Street to 79th Street from Fifth Avenue to Roosevelt Island.
  • Building information, reporting portal, and resident resources for those residing in New York City public housing
  • Portal to find and apply for affordable rental and homeownership opportunities across the five boroughs of New York City
  • Supportive Housing Network
    • The Network represents its nonprofit members in our collective effort to end homelessness among the most vulnerable New Yorkers through the creation of sufficient supportive housing. They work with all sectors – public, private and nonprofit – to ensure supportive housing’s quality and proliferation through advocacy, policy analysis, training, technical assistance and public education.
    • An extensive source of information on important housing-related topics for people with intellectual / developmental disabilities (I/DD).
  • Access NYC: Homeless Shelters and Services Search
    • List of shelters and drop-in centers in the five boroughs, as well as shelter application forms and eligibility information
  • Center for NYC Neighborhoods
    • Mortgage help, foreclosure assistance, insurance information specific to coastal communities, scam protection, and repair/retrofit resources
  • Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS)- Emergency Repair and Home Improvement Loans
    • Provides financial, pre-purchase & post-purchase education & counseling, grants, mortgage facilitation, affordable loans, and free tax services
  • NYC Rent Guidelines Board
    • Created establish rent adjustments for the approximately one million dwelling units subject to the Rent Stabilization Law in New York City, resources around affordable housing, rental rate adjustments, and related issues
  • NYC Rent Freeze Program
    • Information about how rent can be frozen at an affordable amount, and protected from future increases, including eligibility requirements and application questions
  • Housing Court Answers
    • Educates and empowers NYC tenants and small homeowners through Information Tables and a hotline, explaining Housing Court and housing law, rent arrears assistance, and providing homeless prevention guidance. Also provides assistance for NYCHA tenants with an Information Table at 803 Atlantic Avenue

Immigration

LGBTQIA+

  • The Center
    • Operates multiple programs, including cultural, recreational, political and mental health
  • SAGE – Advocacy & Services for LGBT Older Adults
    • Provides a range of services, including care management, support groups, SAGE Centers, housing, meals, friendly visiting and more. SAGE supports and advocates for the rights of LGBT elders and works to achieve a high quality of life for LGBT older people.
  • NYC Department of Health LGBTQ Health
    • Resources and information around health conditions common to LGBTQIA+ groups to support safe sexual lives
  • The Door
    • Crisis intervention, long term counseling, drop-in center, medical care, housing referral service, legal, educational & vocational programs for young people ages 12 to 24.
  • Identity House
    • New York City's oldest LGBT counseling and referral organization. Peer counseling, therapy referrals, coming out discussion groups, conferences and social events.
  • Ali Forney Center
    • NYC-based organization dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ homeless youth, including a drop-in center, emergency housing, and transitional housing
  • Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF)
    • Organization committed to ending discrimination based upon gender identity and expression and to achieving equality for transgender people through public education, test-case litigation, direct legal services, community organizing and public policy efforts
  • PFLAG New York City
    • A partnership of parents, allies and LGBT people working to make a better future for LGBT youth and adults.
  • Gay and Lesbian Medical Association
    • National organization committed to ensuring health equity for LGBTQ and all sexual and gender minority individuals, and equality for LGBTQ/SGM health professionals in their work and learning environments.
  • Brooklyn Community Pride Center
    • Provides services and support to the borough’s LGBTQ+ community through original programming and organizational partnerships. Programs focus on Health & Wellness, Housing issues, Immigration, Racial Justice, Social Isolation, and Workforce Development.

Food and Nutrition

  • City Meals-on-Wheels
    • Food delivery, including emergency food packages, and mobile food pantry, to vulnerable New Yorkers, as well as companionship to homebound older adults
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as "food stamps")
    • Provides food assistance for low-income New Yorkers including families, people who are aging, and people with disabilities. The program helps families and individuals supplement the cost of their diet with nutritious foods.
  • The Alliance for a Hunger Free New York
    • A member-driven coalition of frontline emergency food providers across New York State. Our work is to amplify the collective voices and build a supportive network of frontline community food providers, like food pantries and community meals programs, as well community members experiencing food insecurity.
  • Hunger Free NYC
    • Benefits access assistance, Food Action Board Program, and databases for locating food pantries and other food resources
  • City Harvest
    • Food rescue and distribution, as well as connection to other food resources (Farmers’ Markets, food pantries, soup pantries, and mobile markets)
  • Food Help NYC (interactive map)
    • Map showing food pantries and other food-related resources around NYC
  • God’s Love We Deliver
    • Aims to improve the health and well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illnesses by alleviating hunger and malnutrition via the delivery of high-quality, nutritious meals to people who because of their illness, are unable to provide or prepare meals for themselves. Also provides illness-specific nutrition education and counseling to our clients, families, care providers and other service organizations. All services are free of charge.
  • Food Bank for New York City
    • Interactive map to locate to find a soup kitchen, food pantry, senior center, or SNAP enrollment site near you

Pain Management

  • American Society of Anesthesiologists
    • Discover how anesthesiologists can help you safely and effectively manage pain from surgery, injury, labor, or chronic conditions. Resources for patients and providers.
  • American Society for Pain Management Nursing
    • The mission of the American Society for Pain Management Nursing is to support integrative, whole person, evidence-based care to all those experiencing pain. Access to educational resources, including research and other publications, are available.
  • American Chronic Pain Association:
    • Resources for pain conditions and education for pain management, including publications and support groups

Substance Use Treatment

Outpatient only

Inpatient/Outpatient treatment (Public insurance accepted)

Inpatient/Outpatient treatment (Commercial insurance/Private pay)

Additional Resources:

Women’s and Reproductive Health Information

  • Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
    • AHRQ offers information to help enhance our understanding of women’s unique health needs and empower women to be more engaged in health care decisions.
  • Office on Women’s Health
    • Coordinates women's health efforts across HHS and addresses critical women's health issues by informing and advancing policies, educating health care professionals and consumers, and supporting innovative programs.
  • New York-Presbyterian Women’s Health
    • NewYork-Presbyterian’s women’s health teams offer care for every phase of your life, from adolescence and the childbearing years to menopause and beyond. Providers offer a full range of women’s health services, from routine check-ups to complex pregnancy and gynecologic care.
  • Women’s Health – New York Health and Hospitals
    • Providers offer a wide range of services, such as obstetric and gynecologic care; preventative and primary care including breast exams and other screenings; nutrition; behavioral health referrals; and more.

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