# Life in New York Source: https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/ How to get by in New York on little money: where to get warm in winter and find free food, how to get the City's IDNYC card and ride for half price, where to get online, how to visit libraries, museums and theaters, and where to meet people near you. This is general information, not legal advice: QARAVAN has no lawyers. QARAVAN does not help anyone enter the US and cannot arrange visas, invitations, sponsorship or evacuation. For your own case, talk to a licensed immigration attorney or a representative accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice. ## Start here - If you are cold, find the nearest warming center at [on.nyc.gov/warmingcenters](https://on.nyc.gov/warmingcenters) or call [311](tel:311): it answers 24/7, with Russian interpreters. - Find free food near you on the Food Help NYC map of HRA, the City benefits agency. - IDNYC is the free City ID card for all residents age 10 and up, whatever their immigration status. - [**1** Winter: warm places, heat at home and coats](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/winter/) - [**2** Free food, clothing and things for your home](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/free-things/) - [**3** 311, IDNYC and how the City works](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/city-311/) - [**4** Getting around: subway, buses, ferries and bikes](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/getting-around/) - [**5** Phone and internet on a budget](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/phone-internet/) - [**6** Libraries: a free card, computers and English](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/libraries/) - [**7** Museums, theater and music: every affordable way in](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/museums/) - [**8** Parks, beaches, pools and free sports](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/parks-sports/) - [**9** Places and people: where to go and whom to meet](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/meeting-people/) **Sources, checked November 2026** - [nyc.gov/site/em/about/press-releases/20260206-NYCEM-Issues-Wea…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/em/about/press-releases/20260206-NYCEM-Issues-Weather-Alert-Snow-And-Extreme-Cold-Temperatures.page) - [portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) - [on.nyc.gov/warmingcenters](https://on.nyc.gov/warmingcenters) - [nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/03/mayor-mamdani-announces-rob…](https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/03/mayor-mamdani-announces-robust-measures-to-keep-new-yorkers-safe.html) - [nyc.gov/site/hra/help/energy-assistance.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/energy-assistance.page) - [nyc.gov/site/hra/about/about-hra.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/about/about-hra.page) - [newyorkcares.org/coat-drive](https://www.newyorkcares.org/coat-drive) - [nyc.gov/site/hra/help/food-assistance.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/food-assistance.page) - [nyc.gov/site/hra/help/ebt-card-services.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/ebt-card-services.page) - [foodbanknyc.org/find-food](https://www.foodbanknyc.org/find-food/) - [feedam.org/community-fridges/ny](https://feedam.org/community-fridges/ny) - [freedge.org](https://freedge.org/) - [buynothingproject.org](https://buynothingproject.org/) - [habitatnycwc.org/restore](https://habitatnycwc.org/restore/) - [nyc.gov/311/about-311.page](https://www.nyc.gov/311/about-311.page) - [portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-02498](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-02498) - [nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/how-to-apply.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/how-to-apply.page) - [nyc.gov/site/idnyc/about/about.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/about/about.page) - [nyc.gov/site/immigrants/city-services/city-services-summary.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/city-services/city-services-summary.page) - [nyc.gov/site/immigrants/contact/contact-us.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/contact/contact-us.page) - [nyc.gov/site/dsny/collection/residents.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/dsny/collection/residents.page) - [mta.info/fares-tolls/subway-bus](https://www.mta.info/fares-tolls/subway-bus) - [mta.info/omny](https://www.mta.info/omny) - [omny.info/fares](https://omny.info/fares) - [omny.info/omny-card](https://omny.info/omny-card) - [mta.info/about-us](https://www.mta.info/about-us) - [mta.info/fares-tolls/subway-bus/reduced-fare](https://www.mta.info/fares-tolls/subway-bus/reduced-fare) - [nyc.gov/site/fairfares/index.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/fairfares/index.page) - [access.nyc.gov/programs/fair-fares](https://access.nyc.gov/programs/fair-fares/) - [nyc.gov/assets/fairfares/downloads/pdf/Fair-Fares-FAQ-OMNY-Eng…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/fairfares/downloads/pdf/Fair-Fares-FAQ-OMNY-English.pdf) - [citibikenyc.com/RFBS](https://citibikenyc.com/RFBS) - [ferry.nyc/ticketing-info](https://www.ferry.nyc/ticketing-info/) - [ferry.nyc/discount](https://www.ferry.nyc/discount/) - [nyc.gov/html/dot/html/ferrybus/staten-island-ferry.shtml](https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/ferrybus/staten-island-ferry.shtml) - [govisland.com/plan-your-visit/ferry](https://www.govisland.com/plan-your-visit/ferry) - [broadband.ny.gov/consumer-resources](https://broadband.ny.gov/consumer-resources) - [spectrum.com/internet/spectrum-internet-assist](https://www.spectrum.com/internet/spectrum-internet-assist) - [lifelinesupport.org](https://www.lifelinesupport.org/) - [lifelinesupport.org/how-to-qualify](https://www.lifelinesupport.org/how-to-qualify/) - [lifelinesupport.org/how-to-apply](https://www.lifelinesupport.org/how-to-apply/) - [govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-03/html/2026-06531.htm](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-04-03/html/2026-06531.htm) - [everycrsreport.com/files/2026-08-06_IF13283_559a239bd2d4693a27…](https://www.everycrsreport.com/files/2026-08-06_IF13283_559a239bd2d4693a275231576dbddfd78c41b0e3.html) - [usac.org/about](https://www.usac.org/about/) - [link.nyc/faq.html](https://www.link.nyc/faq.html) - [nypl.org/help/library-card](https://www.nypl.org/help/library-card) - [nypl.org/get-help/contact-us](https://www.nypl.org/get-help/contact-us) - [nypl.org/help/computers-internet-and-wireless-access](https://www.nypl.org/help/computers-internet-and-wireless-access) - [nypl.org/education/adults/english-classes](https://www.nypl.org/education/adults/english-classes) - [bklynlibrary.org/card](https://www.bklynlibrary.org/card/) - [bklynlibrary.org/use-the-library/laptop-loan](https://www.bklynlibrary.org/use-the-library/laptop-loan) - [bklynlibrary.org/adult-learning/esol](https://www.bklynlibrary.org/adult-learning/esol) - [queenslibrary.org/get-a-card](https://www.queenslibrary.org/get-a-card) - [queenslibrary.org/about-us/services/Lendable-Technology](https://www.queenslibrary.org/about-us/services/Lendable-Technology) - [queenslibrary.org/programs-activities/new-americans/learn-engl…](https://www.queenslibrary.org/programs-activities/new-americans/learn-english) - [nyc.gov/site/idnyc/benefits/libraries.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/benefits/libraries.page) - [culturepass.nyc](https://www.culturepass.nyc/) - [culturepass.nyc/faq](https://www.culturepass.nyc/faq) - [wespeaknyc.cityofnewyork.us/classes-near-you](https://wespeaknyc.cityofnewyork.us/classes-near-you/) - [nyc.gov/site/idnyc/benefits/museums-and-cultural-institutions.…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/benefits/museums-and-cultural-institutions.page) - [metmuseum.org/plan-your-visit](https://www.metmuseum.org/plan-your-visit) - [nyc.gov/site/dcla/about/pressrelease/PR-2026-6-2-The-Metropoli…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/dcla/about/pressrelease/PR-2026-6-2-The-Metropolitan-Museum-of-Art-with-the-City-of-New-York-Launches-Free-Membership-for-NY-SNAP-Participants.page) - [amnh.org/plan-your-visit/admission](https://www.amnh.org/plan-your-visit/admission) - [moma.org/visit](https://www.moma.org/visit/) - [visit.moma.org/select/uniqlo](https://visit.moma.org/select/uniqlo) - [momaps1.org/en/visit](https://www.momaps1.org/en/visit) - [press.moma.org/news/moma-ps1-to-become-new-york-citys-largest-…](https://press.moma.org/news/moma-ps1-to-become-new-york-citys-largest-free-museum-in-2026-made-possible-by-gift-from-sonya-yu-celebrating-50th-anniversary/) - [guggenheim.org/plan-your-visit](https://www.guggenheim.org/plan-your-visit) - [whitney.org/visit/free-admission](https://whitney.org/visit/free-admission) - [whitney.org/visit](https://whitney.org/visit) - [brooklynmuseum.org/visit](https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/visit) - [nyhistory.org/visit](https://www.nyhistory.org/visit) - [themorgan.org/visit](https://www.themorgan.org/visit) - [mcny.org/visit](https://www.mcny.org/visit) - [studiomuseum.org/visit](https://www.studiomuseum.org/visit) - [queensmuseum.org/visit](https://queensmuseum.org/visit/) - [thejewishmuseum.org/visit](https://thejewishmuseum.org/visit/) - [frick.org/visit](https://www.frick.org/visit) - [neuegalerie.org/visit](https://www.neuegalerie.org/visit) - [nybg.org/visit/admission](https://www.nybg.org/visit/admission/) - [brooklynkids.org/visit](https://www.brooklynkids.org/visit/) - [bronxmuseum.org/visit](https://bronxmuseum.org/visit) - [about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/museums-on-us-part…](https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/museums-on-us-partners) - [nytransitmuseum.org/know-before-you-visit](https://www.nytransitmuseum.org/know-before-you-visit/) - [publictheater.org/media/svpd2erk/ticketing-guide-to-the-delaco…](https://publictheater.org/media/svpd2erk/ticketing-guide-to-the-delacorte-2026.pdf) - [lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city](https://www.lincolncenter.org/series/summer-for-the-city) - [cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage](https://cityparksfoundation.org/summerstage/) - [tdf.org/discount-ticket-programs/tdf-membership](https://www.tdf.org/discount-ticket-programs/tdf-membership/) - [tdf.org/discount-ticket-programs/tkts-by-tdf/tkts-live](https://www.tdf.org/discount-ticket-programs/tkts-by-tdf/tkts-live/) - [nycgovparks.org/programs/recreation-centers/membership](https://www.nycgovparks.org/programs/recreation-centers/membership) - [nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters](https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters) - [nycgovparks.org/highlights/places-to-go/pools](https://www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/places-to-go/pools) - [nycgovparks.org/facilities/outdoor-pools](https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/outdoor-pools) - [nycgovparks.org/facilities/beaches](https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/beaches) - [nycgovparks.org/events/urbanparkrangers](https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/urbanparkrangers) - [bryantpark.org/activities/bank-of-america-winter-village-at-br…](https://bryantpark.org/activities/bank-of-america-winter-village-at-bryant-park) - [bryantpark.org/the-park/hours-and-directions](https://bryantpark.org/the-park/hours-and-directions) - [gaycenter.org/about/inside-the-center](https://gaycenter.org/about/inside-the-center/) - [gaycenter.org/support/social-groups](https://gaycenter.org/support/social-groups/) - [lgbtbrooklyn.org](https://www.lgbtbrooklyn.org/) - [nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/heat-and-hot-water-i…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/heat-and-hot-water-information.page) - [nyc.gov/site/hra/locations/home-energy-assistance-program.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/locations/home-energy-assistance-program.page) - [benton.org/blog/doj-ruling-could-impact-who-qualifies-lifeline](https://www.benton.org/blog/doj-ruling-could-impact-who-qualifies-lifeline) - [legalservicesnyc.org/resources/i-am-a-noncitizen-am-i-still-el…](https://www.legalservicesnyc.org/resources/i-am-a-noncitizen-am-i-still-eligible-for-snap-benefits/) - [nyc.gov/site/fairfares/contact-us/contact-us.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/fairfares/contact-us/contact-us.page) - [nyc.gov/assets/idnyc/downloads/pdf/idnyc_applicant_document_gu…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/idnyc/downloads/pdf/idnyc_applicant_document_guide-Rev072025.pdf) - [nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/988.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/988.page) - [justice.gov/eoir/recognition-and-accreditation-program](https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-and-accreditation-program) - [gaycenter.org/library](https://gaycenter.org/library/) - [gaycenter.org/contact-us](https://gaycenter.org/contact-us/) - [destinationtomorrow.org](https://destinationtomorrow.org/) - [law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1641](https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/8/1641) - [communications.cityofnewyork.us/dss-hra-dhs-updates-april-26](https://communications.cityofnewyork.us/dss-hra-dhs-updates-april-26) - [nyc.gov/site/cchr/about/report-discrimination.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/cchr/about/report-discrimination.page) - [nychealthandhospitals.org/locations](https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/locations/) - [nyc.gov/site/immigrants/about/press-releases/nyc-moia-launches…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/about/press-releases/nyc-moia-launches-campaign-highlighting-immigration-legal-support-hotline.page) - [nyc.gov/html/hra/html/services/language_services_en.shtml](https://www.nyc.gov/html/hra/html/services/language_services_en.shtml) - [nychealthandhospitals.org/services/language-assistance](https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/services/language-assistance/) - [nyc.gov/site/ocdv/get-help/get-help.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/ocdv/get-help/get-help.page) - [legalservicesnyc.org/get-help-with-a-legal-issue](https://www.legalservicesnyc.org/get-help-with-a-legal-issue/) - [access.nyc.gov/programs/home-energy-assistance-program-heap](https://access.nyc.gov/programs/home-energy-assistance-program-heap/) - [portal.311.nyc.gov/about-nyc-311](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/about-nyc-311/)