Summer Resources
in New York CityNew York is famous for its Fun in the Sun!
The Summer Resources section on the helpNYC.info Resource Navigator connects New Yorkers to programs, resources, and information on how to have a safe, fun, and productive summer!
Extreme Heat Advisories
When the Heat Index, air temperature and relative humidity combined, exceeds 95° F the City of New York typically issues an Extreme Heat Advisory.
Extreme heat is the deadliest type of extreme weather. It can cause hyperthermia and worsen existing medical conditions and mental health problems. Those who don't have access to air conditioners experience heat stress and can be overcome by heat. Fans do not provide sufficient cooling during extreme heat. Air conditioning (AC) is the most effective protection.
helpNYC has created a list of resources for New Yorkers to find ways to survive an Extreme Heat Event.
Summer Health & Wellness
During periods of extreme heat, when the heat index is predicted to be dangerously high, New York City opens cooling centers. Cooling centers are air-conditioned spaces, such as older adult centers, community centers, public libraries, and other public facilities that typically operate during daytime hours and are free and open to the public.
Cool It! NYC is a Citywide plan to increase the amount of cooling features available to the public during heat emergencies, particularly in neighborhoods that face the dangers of high heat.
On extremely hot days, the National Weather Service may issue a heat emergency advisory. During these heat emergency days, the City offers additional resources for residents.
Want to know more? The New York City Department of Emergency Management's Beat the Heat website is your destination for everything you need to know about extreme heat in New York City.
Visit nyc.gov/beattheheat for more information.
Summer Recreation
NYC Parks Pools
Department of Parks and RecreationCity of New YorkListing ID: 2987205008
The City of New York Department of Parks and Recreation operates their indoor pools year round and their outdoor pools in the summer. These pools are open to all New Yorkers to enjoy.
They also offer swimming lessons and other activities for New Yorkers.
Outdoor Pools - Find an Outdoor Pool near you. Outdoor pools are free to the public.
Indoor Pools - Find an Indoor Pool near you. (NYC Parks Recreation Center Membership is required to use Indoor Pools.)
Summer Streets is an annual celebration of New York City’s most valuable public space — our streets. Summer Streets reclaims and transforms streets into active and attractive public spaces, providing safe recreational cycling and walking routes in the heart of Manhattan.
Get involved by visiting nyc.gov/summerstreets
Summer Financial Assistance
Program Summary
The Cooling Assistance benefit helps eligible households buy and install an air conditioner or fan up to a cost of $800. Assistance is available on a first come, first come basis until August 31, 2023 or until funds are exhausted.
Applicants are only eligible for a Cooling Assistance benefit once every five years. If eligible, a household can get only one air conditioner or one fan, and the cost can’t go above $800 including installation fees. The benefit is not applied to an electric bill or issued as a cash benefit.
The Home Energy Assitance Program (HEAP) is administered state-wide by the State of New York Office of Temporary and Disability (OTDA). Residents of New York City apply for the program through the City of New York's Human Resources Administration (HRA).
Program Requirements
Eligibility for a Cooling Assistance HEAP benefit if:
The household's gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size as posted in the following table, or
receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or
receive Temporary Assistance (TA), or
receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone), or
received a Regular benefit greater than $21 in the current program year or received a Regular benefit equal to $21 during the current program year and reside in government-subsidized housing with heat included in your rent, and
the household contains at least one individual with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat, or
the household contains a vulnerable member based on their age (elderly age 60 years or older, or young children under age 6) which meets all other component eligibility criteria, and
A member of the household is a United States Citizen or qualified alien, and
currently do not have a working air conditioner or the air conditioner you have is five years old or older, and
did not receive a HEAP funded air conditioner within the past five years.
household eligibility requirements include filing an application with your local department of social services, providing all necessary documentation, and the household must reside in an eligible living situation.
Application Information
New York City Residents can apply for the HEAP Cooling Assistance Benefit on ACCESS HRA or in person at a NYC-HRA Benifits Access Center.
Document Requirements
Proof of Residence
Proof of Income
Proof of Medical Condition
Government Issued Identification including NYCID
Social Security Card