Question about nyc shelters

<!-- SC_OFF --><div class="md"><p>I’m about to enter a shelter and I’m trying to make the most informed decision I can.</p> <p>I’m 23F and had to leave my grandmas home because her building does not allow long term guests. Since then, I’ve been staying in hotels and applying for rooms, but I’ve been repeatedly rejected due to my credit and the inconsistency of my income. I work as a bartender and I do make enough overall, but the inconsistency of my paystubs seems to make potential roommates or landlords hesitant. I don’t want to change my job because it has granted me a lot of flexibility while I finish this semester. But I’ve now run out of money after spending thousands staying in hotels/bnbs during my search.</p> <p>I’ve struggled with housing instability for most of my life, and I’m starting to feel like entering a shelter might be the most stable option right now before I age out of the youth shelters. I also want to be realistic about my mental health. I’m not in the best headspace, and I don’t think I’d be a good fit for a shared living situation at the moment. But I am doing the work to better myself. Long term, I think I would do much better living on my own.</p> <p>For anyone with experience, especially social workers or people who’ve been through the system, I’d really appreciate insight on two things:</p> <p>Is entering a shelter worth it in terms of getting back on my feet?</p> <p>How long does it typically take to transition from a shelter into stable housing?</p> <p>Which shelters are the best for women? And is there any place that will let me stay tomorrow?</p> <p>I’m trying to make a decision that gives me the best chance at stability, even if it’s not easy in the long run.</p> <p>Update: I didn’t expect so much good advice and DMs so I’ll be responding to everything tomorrow. Thank you all!</p> </div><!-- SC_ON --> submitted by <a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/Sensitive_Long9942"> /u/Sensitive_Long9942 </a> <br/> <span><a href="https://www