Department of Homeless Services311Search all NYC.gov websites
Print icon Print

Health Care Facility Referral to Shelter Guidance

Healthcare facilities are required to submit an Institutional Referral for all single adults being discharged from an inpatient admission to a NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) temporary emergency shelter or Safe Haven.

DHS reviews referrals to ensure patients can safely access and reside in a congregate shelter setting and to coordinate placement needs.

Healthcare facilities are responsible for ensuring patients are discharged with the medications, medical supplies, assistive devices, and follow-up care instructions necessary to safely reside in the shelter environment and continue their treatment plan.

Before You Discharge: Quick Checklist

Before discharging a patient to shelter or Safe Haven, confirm that:

  • Institutional Referral Form has been completed and submitted
  • CARES ID and current shelter status have been verified
  • DHS-13 Reasonable Accommodation Request Form has been submitted (if applicable)
  • Patient Consent to be Discharged to Shelter Form has been completed (for clients without a current shelter assignment)
  • Necessary prescribed medications, medical supplies, durable medical equipment, and assistive devices have been provided
  • Follow-up medical, behavioral health, and substance use treatment appointments have been arranged and communicated to the patient
  • DHS or the assigned shelter has provided clearance for discharge

Instructions

Step 1: Complete Required Forms

Step 2: Determine Current Shelter Status

Contact DHS to determine whether the patient has a current DHS facility assignment, obtain facility contact information, and confirm the patient's CARES ID.

Phone: (212) 361-5590
Email: DHSHRDS@dhs.nyc.gov

Step 3: Submit the Referral

If the Patient Has a Current Shelter or Safe Haven Assignment

Email the Institutional Referral Form directly to the assigned shelter contact.

Email Subject Line: Discharge Coordination for [Patient Initials and CARES ID]
Include the planned discharge date in the email.

If the Patient Does Not Have a Current Shelter Assignment

Email the following documents to:
DHS-HCFReferral@dhs.nyc.gov

Required documents:

If the Patient Is Chronically Street Homeless and Declines Shelter

Email the Institutional Referral Form to:
SHSCC@dhs.nyc.gov

Step 4: Await DHS Review and Response

DHS or the assigned shelter will respond with either:

  • Clearance to discharge to shelter or Safe Haven; or
  • A request for additional information needed to determine whether the patient can safely reside in shelter.

Response time will be one business day for the majority of referrals. If the patient has been inpatient for longer than 60 days, the response time will be two business days.

If you do not receive a response from an assigned shelter, contact DHS-HCFReferral@dhs.nyc.gov for assistance.

Step 5: Discharge Planning

Patients Without a Current Facility Assignment

Patients With a Current Facility Assignment

  • The discharging facility should email the assigned shelter contact one business day prior to discharge to coordinate bed availability and discharge arrangements.

Street Homeless Patients Declining Shelter

  • The discharging facility should coordinate with Street Homeless Solutions to coordinate discharge (SHSCC@dhs.nyc.gov).

Care Transitions

To support a successful transition from a healthcare facility to shelter, discharge planning should address any needs that may affect the patient's ability to safely access or remain in shelter.

Healthcare facilities should:

  • Identify and communicate any reasonable accommodation needs prior to discharge.
  • Refer eligible patients to mobile mental health or care coordination programs to support continuity of care and treatment prior to discharge.
  • Ensure the patient has an adequate supply of prescribed medications and understands how to access refills from a pharmacy available citywide.
  • Provide necessary medical supplies, durable medical equipment, assistive devices, mobility aids and appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather.
  • Communicate upcoming medical, behavioral health, and substance use treatment appointments to the patient and coordinate medical transportation if needed.
  • Coordinate with DHS regarding any significant medical, behavioral health, or functional needs that may affect shelter placement.

Other Temporary Emergency Shelter Intake Information

For people experiencing homelessness who may need other types of shelter, please refer to:

Additional residential placement options for people experiencing homelessness can be found here.

Additional Resources