Saltar al contenido

NYC Shelter Health

Harm Reduction Toolkit

The NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Harm Reduction in Shelters initiative builds capacity of NYC DHS-affiliated staff to carry out evidence-based harm reduction interventions to reduce overdose in shelter.

DHS Harm Reduction Program Materials

Trainings
Client Education Resources

Find more client education resources from other organizations at the bottom of the page.

Shelter Overdose Prevention Champion/Trainer Guidance and Tools
General Guidance and Tools for Shelters
Client Referral Resources
  • H+H Safetynet Clinic: Referral list of H+H safety net clinics for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness
  • 988: 24/7 free counseling and referrals to mental health, mental health, substance use and crisis care. 
  • H+H Express Care: Medical and behavioral health urgent care and medications. Online or by phone. 24/7, no out-of-pocket cost for DHS clients. 
  • NYC Health Map: Find health services including substance use and harm reduction programs in NYC
  • NYC Syringe Services Programs Pocket Card: Listing of syringe services programs in NYC and drug use safety tips. Created by the NYC Health Department. 
    View in English, Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), French, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, Urdu, Yiddish
  • Drug Checking in NYC: Listing of places that check drugs for fentanyl and other contaminants. Created by the NYC Health Department. In English and Spanish.
  • Peer and Vocational Program Referrals: Peer certification and training programs for people with lived experience using alcohol or drugs
  • PORTpractices Clinics: Specialized health care clinic for people who have been in jail or prison at Bellevue and Kings County Hospitals.
    Refer: (646) 614 -1000 or CHSPORTLINE@nychhc.org
  • PORTline Helpline: Helpline for people who have been in jail or prison providing support accessing medical care, social services, benefits and housing. Contact: (646) 614 -1000 or CHSPORTLINE@nychhc.org 
Awareness Resources

Harm Reduction Resources from Other Organizations

Fact Sheets

Burprenorphine

 

Cocaine

 

Fentanyl

 

Harm Reduction

 

Hepatitis C

 

K2

 

Naloxone

 

Xylazine

Resource Libraries

Learn More

Our Approach
Philosophy

The Harm Reduction in NYC Shelters initiative prioritizes the dignity and well-being of shelter residents, meeting individuals where they are with compassion and respect. By embracing harm reduction principles, the initiative promotes a nonjudgmental, trauma-informed, and person-centered approach. This respect for residents’ autonomy and lived experiences fosters a sense of empowerment and inclusion. 

Staff trainings foster a shift in understanding substance use from a personal failing to a chronic health condition that can be treated with medical care. This shift in attitudes, beliefs and approaches to working with shelter residents who have substance use disorders has facilitated greater connection to harm reduction and treatment services.

Methods

The NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Harm Reduction in Shelters initiative works with shelters, that have experienced the highest number of overdose and substance use incidents, to provide capacity building support for staff and direct services to clients.

Capacity building services offered to shelter providers are rooted in open communication, constructive feedback, and education. Recent substance use related incidents, including suspected overdoses, are approached with care as vital learning opportunities with both shelter residents and staff members. Residents are provided risk reduction and safety planning counseling to foster safer practices, while staff members are engaged in discussion about how to create a safer environment within the shelter.

By bridging gaps between staff, residents, and external service providers, the initiative creates a network of support that directly addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing shelter residents. These efforts have saved lives, reduced stigma, and enhanced the overall quality of care within DHS shelters.