Resources
Help and support are not far away
Here are places in New York City where you can find support for different needs—like legal help, food, housing, and more. If you’re unsure where to start, ask a trusted adult, social worker, or lawyer to help you.
Emergency help
- NYC Youth Services – Through 988 and other services, the city can help with mental health and other crises.
- Child Protective Services (SCR Hotline) – Call if you or someone you know is being hurt or neglected.
- Runaway & Homeless Youth Services – Safe places to stay if you don’t have a home.
- NYC Well (Mental Health Help) – Talk to someone if you’re feeling sad, anxious, or overwhelmed.
Legal help and knowing your rights
If you need help in understanding your rights, these organizations and programs may help you.
- Children’s Law Center (CLC) – Reach out to your lawyer!
- Legal Aid Society – Juvenile Rights – Lawyers who help kids and teens in legal trouble.
- NYC Family Court Self-Help Center – Learn about what happens in court and what your rights are.
- Help for Immigrant & Refugee Kids – Legal help if you are new to the U.S. or don’t have papers.
A safe place to stay
If you need a place to sleep or are worried about losing your home, these places can help:
- NYC Shelters for Youth – Safe places for kids and teens who need housing.
- Covenant House NYC – A shelter just for young people without a safe home.
- NYC Family Eviction Prevention Supplement (FHEPS) – If your family is being forced to leave your home.
Health and mental wellness
If you’re feeling sick, need medical care, or want to talk to someone about your feelings, check these resources:
- Free & Low-Cost Clinics for Kids – Find a doctor if you don’t have insurance.
- Mental Health Support (NYC Well, The Door, etc.) – Talk to someone about stress, sadness, or other worries.
- Help for Drug or Alcohol Problems – Support for teens struggling with addiction.
School and learning help
If you need help with school, tutoring, or special education services, these groups can support you:
- Help with Special Education – Learn about your rights if you have an IEP or 504 Plan.
- Help for Unhoused Students (McKinney-Vento Act) – If you don’t have a stable home, your school must still support you.
- After-School & Tutoring Programs – Free programs to help with homework and learning.
LGBTQ+ support
If you are LGBTQ+ and need a safe space or someone to talk to, these organizations can help:
- Ali Forney Center – Housing and help for LGBTQ+ youth who need a safe place to stay.
- The Trevor Project – A free crisis helpline and other resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
- Hetrick-Martin Institute – All sorts of programs and support for LGBTQ+ teens.
Food and basic needs
If you or your family needs food, clothing, or other essentials, these places offer free help:
- NYC Food Banks & Meal Programs – Find a place near you to get free food.
- Clothing & Essentials for Kids & Teens – Get help with clothes, backpacks, and other needs.
Foster care and adoption
If you are in foster care or want to learn about adoption, these groups can help:
- Foster care – What are your rights in New York City?
- Support for foster youth – Some programs and support for youth in foster care.
- Foster to Adoption – Waiting children in NYC
- Kinship Navigator
Need more help?
If you aren’t sure where to turn, ask a trusted adult, teacher, social worker, or lawyer for guidance. You are not alone—there are people ready to help.
(Check back often! We’ll update this page with more resources as we find them.)