Resources for People With Disabilities in New York

From Niagara Falls to Staten Island, New York is home to several nonprofit and charitable service organizations offering resources to seniors and people with disabilities. If you applied for disability benefits and need financial or social support before your first check arrives, check out this list of carefully reviewed organizations for food, housing and shelter, legal services, and medical care.

Food resources

City Harvest

6 East 32nd Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10016

City Harvest, New York City’s first and largest food rescue organization, has been a vital force in fighting hunger for over 40 years. They specialize in rescuing nutritious food that would otherwise be wasted and delivering it for free to New Yorkers in need. City Harvest has distributed over one billion pounds of food to all five boroughs. Their operations include food rescue, distribution, and nutrition education, addressing the food insecurity needs of a diverse population.

FeedMore WNY

91 Holt Street, Buffalo, NY, 14206

FeedMore WNY offers a variety of programs and services beyond its food bank and meal delivery functions. These include nutrition assistance and education, community meal services, and career readiness programs. They focus on creating more feeding programs for those in need and offering culinary and warehouse training opportunities. This broad approach aims to distribute more food throughout the community and support individuals in preparing for employment.

Feeding Westchester

200 Clearbrook Road, Elmsford, NY 10523

Feeding Westchester is an Elmsford-based organization with a mission to end hunger throughout Westchester County, New York. As a member of the Feeding America network, it works diligently to gather and distribute food to local communities in need, operating through a network of food pantries, soup kitchens, and other aid organizations. A key aspect of their work includes a Senior Grocery Program, which targets better health and independent living for seniors. Their Mobile Food Pantry is vital in reaching communities with limited nutritious food options.

Food Bank for New York City

39 Broadway, New York, NY 10006 The Food Bank for New York City is committed to tackling food poverty across the five boroughs of New York City. This foodbank distributes nutritious meals and supplies to various pantries, soup kitchens, schools, and other programs. It also focuses on special initiatives to assist seniors and individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have access to adequate and healthy food options.

Foodlink

2011 Mt Read Blvd, Rochester, NY 14615

Foodlink is a comprehensive food bank that addresses the root causes of hunger. They offer a range of innovative programs, including food assistance through pop-up pantries and healthy meal preparation in their community kitchen. Foodlink provides nutrition education, empowering participants with the knowledge and skills for healthy choices.

Food Bank for Hudson Valley

195 Hudson Street, Cornwall-on-Hudson, NY 12520

The Food Bank of Hudson Valley is a branch of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and a member of Feeding America that serves Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Rockland, Sullivan, and Putnam Counties. The organization collaborates with over 1,000 member agencies across 23 counties, including low-income senior housing sites, which receive deliveries bimonthly.

Food Bank of Central New York

7066 Interstate Island Road, Syracuse, NY 13209

This not-for-profit organization is committed to eliminating hunger in Central New York. Food Bank of Central New York partners with a vast network of local agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency shelters, to distribute food to individuals and families in need. Their services extend to daycare centers, rehabilitation centers, senior centers, and group homes, supplementing their food requirements.

Food Pantries for the Capital District

32 Essex Street, Albany, NY 12206

Food Pantries for the Capital District is a collaborative network supporting food insecurity needs in the Albany area. Their programs include organizing food and fund drives, providing holiday meals, and offering emergency food assistance. They also run a Food Express service delivering orders from the Regional Food Bank to pantries.

Island Harvest Food Bank

126 Spagnoli Road, Melville, NY 11747

Island Harvest Food Bank, established in 1992 and a member of Feeding America, is a leading organization in hunger relief on Long Island. Focusing on distributing fresh produce, meat, and non-perishables, this organization assists thousands of Long Islanders daily through innovative programs and a robust network of community partners. Island Harvest operates a comprehensive range of programs addressing the needs of children, families, veterans, and seniors.

Long Island Cares, The Harry Chapin Food Bank

10 Davids Drive (Harry Chapin Way), Hauppauge, NY 11788

Long Island Cares, founded in 1980, is a food bank serving Nassau and Suffolk Counties in New York. As a member of the Feeding America network, it provides nutritional support through a network of community-based member agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, and programs for the disabled and veterans. The organization also features a program called S.O.S. (Supporting Our Seniors), highlighting its commitment to aiding senior citizens.

Housing and shelter resources

Adirondack Roots

103 Hand Avenue, PO Box 157, Elizabethtown, NY, 12932

Adirondack Roots, formerly known as the Housing Assistance Program of Essex County, is focused on providing secure and affordable housing to communities in the eastern Adirondacks. They offer a variety of services, including rental assistance, homeownership support, and home repair. Their goal is to help individuals and families establish stable homes, enhancing the quality of life in their communities. Adirondack Roots ensures that everyone, regardless of income, has access to quality housing options.

Barrier Free Living

637 East 138th Street, Bronx NY, 10454

Barrier Free Living specializes in providing services to disabled survivors of domestic violence. They offer programs such as Freedom House, a fully accessible emergency shelter, and Secret Garden, an award-winning program offering counseling and safety planning. Their focus on accessible design and comprehensive support addresses the unique challenges faced by disabled survivors of domestic violence. Barrier Free Living's commitment to creating safe environments extends to families and individuals, ensuring their needs are met holistically.

Community Housing Innovations Inc.

75 S Broadway Suitte 340, White Plains, NY 10601-4413

Community Housing Innovations Inc. focuses on breaking the cycle of poverty through housing and human services. Founded in 1991, CHI provides a range of services, including emergency shelters, transitional and supportive housing, and permanent housing solutions. They also offer homeownership counseling, foreclosure prevention, eviction prevention services, and financial literacy programs. CHI Realty, their independent brokerage, aids in placing homeless individuals and families into permanent housing. The organization's mission is to support social and economic independence through quality, affordable housing.

Concern for Independent Living 

312 Expressway Drive South Medford, NY 11763

Concern for Independent Living provides housing support for people with physical and mental disabilities. The organization, which currently serves 1,300 individuals, is one of the largest housing agencies in New York State. Concern for Independent Living has 240 locations, offering accessible housing with services to support independence.

Housing Conservation Coordinators

777 Tenth Avenue, New York, NY 10019

Housing Conservation Coordinators Inc., located in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, is a not-for-profit organization focused on affordable housing advocacy and support. They offer a range of legal services and tenant and community organizing. One notable program is the Older Adult Clinic, which assists senior citizens with housing, benefits, and end-of-life planning. They also conduct a weekly legal clinic and an immigration clinic, addressing various community needs.

Housing Council at Pathstone Inc.

75 College Ave 4th Floor, Rochester, NY 14607-1009

The Housing Council at PathStone, located in Rochester, New York, offers comprehensive housing counseling and intervention services. They serve tenants, homeowners, and the homeless and provide assistance and training to landlords. Their services include a Housing Hotline, promoting fair housing awareness, publishing a rental registry, and conducting inspections for rental programs. They also ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities when accessing their services.

Housing Works Inc.

81 Willoughby Street 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Housing Works Inc. is dedicated to providing housing as a form of healthcare. Their mission includes offering safe, secure, and stable housing for homeless New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic health conditions. Housing Works operates from Housing First and Harm Reduction perspectives, connecting residents to necessary life-saving services and coordinating with healthcare providers. 

Housing Options & Geriatric Association & Resources Inc.

787 E 156th Street, Bronx, NY 10455

Housing Options and Geriatric Association Resources, Inc. (H.O.G.A.R.) is dedicated to assisting society's most disenfranchised groups in New York. Their focus includes the elderly, seriously mentally ill adults, the homeless, adults with special needs, and the physically challenged. H.O.G.A.R. provides high-quality housing and services in a therapeutic and rehabilitative environment guided by the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation. Their goal is to restore individuals' ability for independent living and effective life management.

Hudson River Housing

313 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601

Hudson River Housing in Poughkeepsie, NY, focuses on creating pathways out of homelessness through various housing options, including emergency, transitional, and permanent housing. They cater to residents of all ages and income levels, aiming to make the Hudson Valley a more affordable place to live. Additionally, Hudson River Housing provides specialized supportive services to vulnerable populations, including veterans, youth, and seniors, along with homebuyer education and vocational training.

Supportive Housing Network of New York

247 West 37th Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY, 10018

Supportive Housing Network of New York is a statewide membership organization advocating for the growth and effectiveness of supportive housing. They focus on policies to advance supportive housing, fostering a community among housing developers and providers. Their mission is to end homelessness among vulnerable New Yorkers through supportive housing creation, working across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. They provide advocacy, policy analysis, training, technical assistance, and public education to ensure the quality and proliferation of supportive housing.

Healthcare services

Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York Inc.

1010 Avenue of the Americas Ste 301, New York NY 10018-0000

Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York Inc. (CIDNY) provides a range of services for people with disabilities in New York City. They offer assistance in finding and maintaining health care coverage, SNAP benefits, and Social Security. Additionally, CIDNY provides employment support, mental health services, nutrition outreach and education, and housing assistance. They focus on empowering individuals with disabilities to maintain their independence and advocating for their rights and inclusion in the community.

Community Health Center of Buffalo Inc.

34 Benwood Ave, Buffalo NY 14214-1761

The Community Health Center of Buffalo provides a range of healthcare services to the community. Their offerings include adult and family medicine, pediatric medicine, family planning services, dental services, behavioral health, physical therapy, and specialty services. Additionally, they have geriatric services catering to senior citizens' healthcare needs. They emphasize affordability, diversity, and comprehensive care, ensuring they meet the community's health needs.

Community Healthcare Network Inc.

60 Madison Avenue, New York NY 10010 Community Healthcare Network Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that offers comprehensive healthcare services tailored to the needs of diverse populations in New York City. Their services include addiction treatment, behavioral health, dental care, eye care, foot care, geriatric care, LGBTQ+ services, pharmacy, primary care, and women’s health. They also provide specialized care coordination, wellness and nutrition programs, and cater to veterans and refugees. Community Healthcare Network is dedicated to providing quality healthcare for underserved people at every life stage.

Cornerstone Family Healthcare

2570 US Highway 9W Suite 10, Cornwall NY 12518-1370

Cornerstone Family Healthcare offers a range of medical care services for the entire family. Their services include family medicine, pediatric care, dental care, behavioral health, women’s health, and more. They also provide urgent care, audiology, podiatry, optometry, cardiology, endocrinology, infectious disease, and radiology services. Additionally, they offer telehealth and addiction services. Support services include healthcare for the homeless, HIV/AIDS services, wellness coaching, and programs for women, infants, and children.

Housing Works Health Services III Inc.

81 Willoughby Street 2nd Floor, Brooklyn NY 11201

Housing Works Health Services III Inc. is dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare to all, focusing on a client-centered approach and integrating various medical services. They offer primary care, sexual health, substance use support, behavioral health, and more, ensuring comprehensive care for diverse health needs. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, they offer affordable care with a sliding scale fee structure, making healthcare accessible regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. They aim to foster good health and positive social change through innovation and collaboration.

Montgomery County Office for the Aging Inc.

135 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY 12010

Montgomery County Office for the Aging Inc. serves older citizens of Montgomery County and their families. They help maintain independence, dignity, and quality of life for the elderly. Their services include nutritional support through Rao Family Meals and café-style meals, in-home services for the elderly, caregiver support, long-term care assistance through NY Connects, counseling for Medicare and Medicaid, legal services, transportation options, nutrition education, and food pantry access for adults over 60.

New York State Hospital Charity Care Programs

The New York State Hospital Charity Care Programs provide free or low-cost medical care to uninsured or underinsured residents with certain income levels. This program, mandated by the Hospital Financial Assistance Law (HFAL), applies to all New York hospitals and includes a sliding fee scale for patients without health insurance whose income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. Hospitals must have formal financial assistance policies and are regulated in their debt collection practices, ensuring patients are not unduly burdened while seeking medical care.

St. Mary's Healthcare

427 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010

St. Mary's Healthcare offers a comprehensive range of medical services in Amsterdam, NY. Their offerings include family medicine, pediatric care, dental care, behavioral health, and women's health. They also provide specialized cardiology, endocrinology, infectious disease, and radiology services. St. Mary's is committed to delivering compassionate and excellent healthcare, focusing on treating each patient as an individual, not just a patient number. Access to healthcare at St. Mary’s is never denied due to a patient’s inability to pay.

The Institute for Family Health

2006 Madison Avenue #5, New York, NY 10035

The Institute for Family Health is a network of community health centers offering comprehensive healthcare services in New York City and the Mid-Hudson Valley. Their services include primary care, behavioral health, dental care, women's health, diabetes care, and HIV/AIDS services. They also provide specialized care through their Gender Wellness Clinic. Additionally, the Institute offers telehealth services, insurance enrollment, social service assistance, and health care for the homeless. This organization is dedicated to providing accessible and quality health care to all individuals, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay.

Legal services

Disability Rights New York

725 Broadway, Suite 450, Albany, New York 12207

Disability Rights New York, founded in 1989, provides free legal and advocacy services to individuals with disabilities. The organization is designated as the Protection and Advocacy and Client Assistance Program system for New York State and has offices in Albany, Rochester, and Brooklyn. DRNY is committed to protecting and promoting the rights of children and adults with disabilities.

Legal Aid Society of New York 

199 Water Street, New York, NY 10038 USA

Legal Aid Society of New York is the largest social justice law firm in New York City. Last year, pro bono volunteer attorneys provided 253,000 hours of legal assistance to New Yorkers throughout all five boroughs. In addition to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, the Legal Aid Society of New York provides free legal services for residents applying for Social Security and other public benefits.

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley

90 Maple Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601 

Since 1967, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley has provided free legal counsel to low-income individuals and families throughout the Hudson Valley, including Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, Ulster, and Sullivan counties. The organization’s practice areas include Social Security and public benefits, elder law, tenants’ rights, and more.

New York Lawyers for the Public Interest

151 W 30th Suite #11, New York, NY 10001

The New York Lawyers for the Public Interest  advocates for people with disabilities and can provide legal representation and resources to help make education, transportation, and housing accessible. In addition to its staff lawyers and policy experts, NYLPI works with 80 law firms and 900 pro bono attorneys.

Neighborhood Legal Services Inc.

237 Main Street, Suite. 400, Buffalo, NY 14203

Neighborhood Legal Services, founded in 1965, provides free legal services to low-income individuals with disabilities. Neighborhood Legal Services can help residents in Western New York access Social Security disability benefits, public benefits, and health insurance. The organization has office locations in Batavia, Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Lockport.

Related resources:

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