# Winter: warm places, heat at home and coats

Source: https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/winter/

Where to go if you are cold right now, what to do if your apartment has no heat, and where to get help paying for heat and warm clothes.

## Start here

- For signs of frostbite or hypothermia, call [911](tel:911).
- If you are cold right now, find the nearest warming center at [on.nyc.gov/warmingcenters](https://on.nyc.gov/warmingcenters). Without internet, call [311](tel:311) and say “Russian”: a free interpreter joins and they tell you an address. [311](tel:311) answers 24/7; you can also text 311-692.
- If your apartment is cold, write to your landlord, and if the heat doesn't come back, file a complaint on [311](tel:311) Online. Applications for HEAP, the heating benefit, are open from November 2, 2026.

## If you are cold right now

1. Find the nearest warming center A warming center is a heated place open to everyone. The list is at [on.nyc.gov/warmingcenters](https://on.nyc.gov/warmingcenters). For the nearest address, call [311](tel:311) (say “Russian” and a free interpreter joins) or text 311-692, 24/7.
2. Go to a hospital or drop-in center During Code Blue (the cold-weather mode the City declares), City hospitals and drop-in centers are open to everyone 24/7.
3. Call 911 for frostbite or hypothermia [911](tel:911) is ambulance, police and fire.
4. If someone outside needs help Ask [311](tel:311) to send homeless outreach, a team that helps people without housing get to a shelter or drop-in center.
5. Don't heat your home with an oven or stove Never heat your home with an oven, a stove or a charcoal grill; kerosene and propane space heaters are illegal in New York City.

## What Code Blue is and who opens their doors

- Enhanced Code Blue (DSS) Free The City's DSS activates Enhanced Code Blue when 32°F (0°C) or below, wind chill included, is expected between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. Outreach teams then look for people on the street and help them get to a shelter, a drop-in center or another place to sleep (safe havens, stabilization beds). [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/em/about/press-releases/20260206-NYCEM-Issues-Weather-Alert-Snow-And-Extreme-Cold-Temperatures.page)
- Hospitals, drop-in centers and shelters with open doors Free During Code Blue, more than 50 hospitals in the city, public hospitals included, plus DHS drop-in centers and shelters take in everyone who comes. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702)
- The City's list of warming centers Free The City posts the current list of warming centers at [on.nyc.gov/warmingcenters](https://on.nyc.gov/warmingcenters). [on.nyc.gov](https://on.nyc.gov/warmingcenters)

## The Bronx: places to get warm

During Code Blue, hospitals and drop-in centers are open 24/7, and warming buses stand outside at night.

- NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi Free A City hospital. During Code Blue you can come in to get warm at any hour. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 1400 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx 24/7
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln Free A City hospital. During Code Blue you can come in to get warm at any hour. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 234 East 149th Street, Bronx 24/7
- NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx Free A City hospital. During Code Blue you can come in to get warm at any hour. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 3424 Kossuth Avenue, Bronx 24/7
- The Living Room Drop-In Center Free Walk in without an appointment. Open 24/7 during Code Blue. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 800 Barretto Street (at Lafayette Avenue), Bronx 24/7
- Warming bus at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln Free A warming bus is parked by the Emergency Department entrance. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 234 East 149th Street, Bronx daily 10 pm–5 am

## Brooklyn: places to get warm

- NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County Free A City hospital. During Code Blue you can come in to get warm at any hour. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 451 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn 24/7
- NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health Free A City hospital. During Code Blue you can come in to get warm at any hour. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 2601 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn 24/7
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull Free A City hospital. During Code Blue you can come in to get warm at any hour. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 760 Broadway, Brooklyn 24/7
- The Gathering Place Drop-In Center Free Walk in without an appointment. Open 24/7 during Code Blue. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 2402 Atlantic Avenue (between Sackman Street and Jardine Place), Brooklyn 24/7
- Warming bus at Coney Island Stillwell Free A warming bus is parked on Stillwell Avenue by the train station entrance. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) Stillwell Avenue, outside the train station entrance and exit, Brooklyn daily 12 am–5 am

## Manhattan: places to get warm

- NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Free A City hospital. During Code Blue you can come in to get warm at any hour. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 462 1st Avenue, Manhattan 24/7
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem Free A City hospital. During Code Blue you can come in to get warm at any hour. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 506 Lenox Avenue, Manhattan 24/7
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan Free A City hospital. During Code Blue you can come in to get warm at any hour. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 1901 1st Avenue, Manhattan 24/7
- 9th Avenue Drop-In Center Free Walk in without an appointment. Open 24/7 during Code Blue. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 771 9th Avenue, Manhattan 24/7
- Olivieri Drop-In Center Free Walk in without an appointment. Open 24/7 during Code Blue. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 257 West 30th Street (between 7th and 8th Avenues), Manhattan 24/7
- Paul's Place Drop-In Center Free Walk in without an appointment. Open 24/7 during Code Blue. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 114 West 14th Street, Manhattan 24/7
- Warming bus at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Free A warming bus is parked on 1st Avenue between East 27th and East 28th Streets. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 1st Avenue between East 27th and East 28th Streets, Manhattan daily 10 pm–5 am
- Warming bus at Penn Station, 32nd Street Free A warming bus is parked at West 32nd Street and 7th Avenue. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) West 32nd Street and 7th Avenue, Manhattan daily 12 am–5 am
- Warming bus at Penn Station, 34th Street Free A warming bus is parked at West 34th Street and 7th Avenue, across from McDonald's. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) West 34th Street and 7th Avenue (across from McDonald's), Manhattan daily 10 pm–5 am

## Queens: places to get warm

- NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst Free A City hospital. During Code Blue you can come in to get warm at any hour. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 79-01 Broadway, Elmhurst, Queens 24/7
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens Free A City hospital. During Code Blue you can come in to get warm at any hour. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 82-68 164th Street, Jamaica, Queens 24/7
- Queens Drop-In Center Free Walk in without an appointment. Open 24/7 during Code Blue. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 100-32 Atlantic Avenue, Richmond Hill, Queens 24/7
- Union Hall Drop-In Center Free Walk in without an appointment. Open 24/7 during Code Blue. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 92-32 Union Hall Street, Jamaica, Queens 24/7
- Warming bus at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst Free A warming bus is parked by the Emergency Department entrance. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 79-01 Broadway, Elmhurst, Queens daily 10 pm–5 am
- Warming bus at NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens Free A warming bus is parked by the Emergency Department entrance. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 82-68 164th Street, Jamaica, Queens daily 10 pm–5 am

## Staten Island: a place to get warm

- Project Hospitality Drop-In Center Free Walk in without an appointment. Open 24/7 during Code Blue. Within walking distance of the St. George Staten Island Ferry Terminal. [portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-03702) 150 Richmond Terrace (between Wall and Schuyler Streets), Staten Island 24/7

## Heat in your apartment

If you rent, the law requires your landlord to heat your apartment from October 1 to May 31 and to supply hot water all year.

1. Write to the landlord first Tell the landlord or building manager that your apartment is cold or has no hot water. Do it in writing so there is a record.
2. Then file a complaint with 311 File on [311](tel:311) Online ([portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov); switch the site to Russian in the language menu at the top right), in the [311](tel:311) app, by texting 311-692 or by calling [311](tel:311) (say “Russian” and a free interpreter joins), anonymously if you prefer. The complaint goes to HPD, the City housing agency, which contacts the owner and sends an inspector if the heat is still off.

Minimum temperatures under the heat law

|  |  |  |
| --- | --- | --- |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |
|  |  |  |

## Help paying for heat

- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): Regular HEAP Benefit Free A federally funded benefit that helps low-income renters and homeowners pay for heat. Applications for the 2026-2027 Regular HEAP Benefit are open from November 2, 2026; it is paid once per season. Eligibility depends on income, household size and heating source. Someone in the household must be a U.S. citizen or a "qualified non-citizen": under the federal 1996 welfare law that means green-card holders, people granted asylum (asylees), refugees, people granted withholding of removal (court protection from deportation), humanitarian parolees paroled for at least one year, Cuban and Haitian entrants and certain abused spouses and children. If your asylum case is still pending or you only have a temporary visa, you are not on that list; if unsure, ask a lawyer before you apply. Apply online on ACCESS HRA, in person at a HEAP office or by mail. On the HRA phone line, say "Russian" and a free interpreter joins. [718-557-1399](tel:7185571399) [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/energy-assistance.page)
- HEAP offices (Benefits Access Centers) Free Seven HRA Benefits Access Centers take HEAP applications. Bronx: 300 Canal Place, 1st floor, and 1910 Monterey Ave, 3rd floor. Brooklyn: 1912 Mermaid Ave, 1st floor, and 275 Bergen Street, 1st floor. Manhattan: 109 East 16th Street, 8th floor. Queens: 32-20 Northern Blvd, 2nd floor. Staten Island: 201 Bay Street, 1st floor. On the HRA phone line, say "Russian" and a free interpreter joins. [718-557-1399](tel:7185571399) [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/locations/home-energy-assistance-program.page) Mon–Fri 8:30 am–5 pm
- How to apply for HEAP by mail Free Fax the completed HEAP application (LDSS 3421) to [917-639-2900](tel:9176392900) or mail it to Home Energy Assistance Program/HEAP, P.O. Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008. On the HRA phone line, say "Russian" and a free interpreter joins. [718-557-1399](tel:7185571399) [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/energy-assistance.page) Home Energy Assistance Program/HEAP, P.O. Box 1401, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008
- Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) for homeowners Free If you own your home, HERR helps repair or replace a furnace, boiler or other main heating equipment: up to $4,000 for a repair and $8,000 for a replacement, once every ten years. The 2026-2027 benefit opened on October 1, 2026. On the HRA phone line, say "Russian" and a free interpreter joins. [718-557-1399](tel:7185571399) [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/energy-assistance.page)
- Emergency HEAP Benefit Free For households whose heat, or the electricity their heating needs, is off or about to be shut off, or who have no fuel left. Applications for the 2026-2027 season open on January 4, 2027. On the HRA phone line, say "Russian" and a free interpreter joins. [718-557-1399](tel:7185571399) [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/help/energy-assistance.page)

## Warm clothing

- WARM (Winter Access, Relief and Medical) mobile units Free During the March 2026 cold snap, the City added WARM ambulettes and mobile units through Saturday, March 14: doctors gave consultations, staff handed out blankets, warm clothing, socks, hot meals and water, and took unsheltered people to a shelter or warming center of their choice. To find out whether the units will be out this winter, ask on [311](tel:311) Online ([portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov)) or text 311-692. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/03/mayor-mamdani-announces-robust-measures-to-keep-new-yorkers-safe.html)
- New York Cares Coat Drive New York Cares, a volunteer organization, has collected and given out new and gently used coats for nearly 40 winters; its site has a map of drop-off locations. To get a coat for yourself, ask the organization that helps you, or [311](tel:311). [newyorkcares.org](https://www.newyorkcares.org/coat-drive)
- Free things in Buy Nothing groups Free In Buy Nothing groups neighbors give things away for free, clothing included. [buynothingproject.org](https://buynothingproject.org/)

## Glossary: definitions of special terms and abbreviations

- ****: 
- ****: 
- ****: 
- ****: 
- ****: 
- ****: 
- ****: 
- ****: 
- ****: 
- ****: 
- ****: 
- ****: 
- ****: 

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.

[All pages: Life in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/)

**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)
- [newyorkcares.org/coat-drive](https://www.newyorkcares.org/coat-drive)
- [buynothingproject.org](https://buynothingproject.org/)
- [nyc.gov/site/hra/locations/home-energy-assistance-program.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/hra/locations/home-energy-assistance-program.page)