Homeless Program Office
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What we do
The MTA’s Homeless Program Office (HPO) works with partner agencies to coordinate outreach efforts to homeless individuals throughout our entire transit system. Our goal is to maintain a safe and secure transit system, and to compassionately address the needs of our homeless neighbors to improve the overall quality of life and safety in our system.
What to do if someone needs help
- Call 911 if you see someone in need of immediate assistance.
- If the issue is not an emergency, call 311 (within New York City) or 511 (outside of the city) to report the issue. You can also use 311’s online form to report an issue.
- You can use a station Help Point intercom in stations to request help from MTA personnel.
- If you see someone in need, it is best to allow MTA staff or emergency personnel to address the situation.
- In extreme cold or heat, homeless individuals are at an increased risk of suffering severe consequences. Extreme weather requires that we mobilize faster.
- In a Code Blue weather emergency, call 311, 511, or 911, as appropriate, to get help.
- You can also reach out to MTA staff within the station if the situation requires immediate attention.
Rules of conduct
The MTA's Rules of Conduct prohibit activities such as panhandling, remaining in the paid fare zone of a particular subway station for more than one hour, and bringing large or obstructing objects into the subway system.
For more details on what you can and cannot do in the subway system, see our Rules of Conduct.
Programs
Connected Communities Initiative
A robust commuter rail program that aims to provide localized services and support to homeless individuals who use Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad outlying stations as surrogate shelters. This will be rolled out in the coming months on our commuter rail systems encompassing Long Island Railroad and Metro North.
Fair Fares
The Fair Fares program, created by the City of New York, lets eligible New Yorkers with low incomes receive a 50% discount on subway and eligible bus fares or Access-A-Ride fares. If you apply and are eligible for the program, you will receive a Fair Fares NYC MetroCard about two to three weeks after your application is approved.
Giving
If you want to give to support homeless individuals, we recommend you do so outside the system. Charity Navigator can help you find the best destination for your contribution, and provides tools and tips to help you keep your information safe.
Contact us
- To leave a comment, share a concern, or ask a question, use our Customer Feedback form.
- You can provide feedback for Connecticut stations via that state's feedback portal.
- You can also reach out to New York City Transit's Group Station Managers (GSMs) to share concerns or feedback. Each station's GSM is listed near the entrances/exits, and or see this map for GSM contact information.