New York State Vital Records
Order a certified copy of a birth certificate for births outside New York City. Mail form DOH-4380 with $30 per copy and ID, or order online through the state's vendor for $45 plus a processing fee. Births in the five NYC boroughs are handled by the NYC Department of Health instead.
Non-Driver ID Card
State photo ID for people who do not drive, available to anyone with lawful status in the U.S. Use the DMV's online pre-screening tool to see which proofs you need, then apply in person at a DMV office; a temporary document is issued on the spot and the card comes by mail.
myBenefits (SNAP, HEAP, Public Assistance)
Online portal to apply for SNAP food benefits, HEAP heating help, and cash assistance, and to screen for Medicaid and other programs. Households with little or no money may qualify for expedited SNAP within seven days; call the Temporary Assistance Hotline to find your local office.
HOPEline
Statewide call-or-text line staffed around the clock by counselors trained in addiction and crisis support. They assess risk, help with crisis intervention, and connect callers to treatment, recovery groups, and peer or family support regardless of ability to pay.
The Bowery Mission
Three meals a day at 227 Bowery with no ID or questions, plus showers, clothing, free mobile medical care, and up to seven nights of emergency shelter at the Tribeca campus. Longer residential recovery programs are available by walking in to speak with an Ambassador.
Buffalo City Mission
Emergency shelter for men at the Alfiero Family Center with intake open 24 hours, and for women and children at Cornerstone Manor. Public meals three times daily at 100 E. Tupper, and a food pantry and clothing shop on Monday and Wednesday mornings.
Open Door Mission
Rochester shelter and meal program at 156 N. Plymouth Avenue: a short-term bed, a daily 6 PM community dinner with to-go meals at 5, free clothing, a men's residential recovery program, and transitional housing for women with children. ID is helpful but not required.
ROCovery Fitness
Peer-run recovery community in Rochester built around fitness and sober social activities. Programs are free for anyone with at least 48 hours of continuous sobriety; fill out the membership questionnaire online or stop by the Dewey Avenue outreach center.
Capital City Rescue Mission
Downtown Albany shelter with beds for men and women, three meals a day, free clothing, a medical clinic, and residential recovery and transitional living programs. Walk in any time with no appointment or ID; shelter check-in is before 5:30 PM.
Friends of Recovery – New York
Statewide recovery advocacy organization headquartered in Albany that supports the network of Recovery Community and Outreach Centers, 24/7 Open Access Centers, youth clubhouses, recovery coaches, and family support navigators across New York. Contact them to be pointed to recovery community resources near you.
211 New York
Free, confidential information and referral line covering food, housing, utilities, health and mental health, and substance use anywhere in the state. Dial 211 or text your ZIP code; a guided online search is at search.211newyork.org.
National lines that work in New York
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.