Find alternatives to calling the Albany Police Department.
Typically, people call the police because they are experiencing or perceive an emergency and need immediate assistance. In order to provide the most effective alternatives to calling the police or 911, unless otherwise indicated, the resources included here are limited to those that offer immediate assistance through emergency or crisis services.
These resources may be obligated to call police in the case of an immediate risk of harm to the caller or another, child abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Where we know or suspect that a resource may work in cooperation with law enforcement or involve them beyond what is required by law, we acknowledge that in the listing.
These resources are not intended to cover all situations, only to provide the services described. If you are in danger of immediate harm and feel safe doing so, call 911.
Housing
- Partnership for the Homeless: Albany Emergency Shelter
- Provides shelter for single men and women over the age of 18. Individuals are assisted on their journey of achieving stable housing and self-sufficiency. With a capacity of 30 beds, the shelter has a year-round occupancy rate of 98%. Services include: Meals, showers, laundry facilities, case management and life skills groups. Trans* affirming. All services free. Does not serve youth. No pets allowed.
- 176 Sheridan Avenue, Albany, NY 12210
- (518) 434-8021 (24/7)
- https://www.iphny.org/what-we-do
- Walk-in services suspended due to COVID-19 – call for availability
- Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless: Safe Haven
- Safe Haven is a unique seasonal emergency shelter that provides safe, supportive overnight shelter, between November and April, for homeless adults who are unable to access any other form of shelter and who would otherwise be staying in places not meant for human habitation, including parks, cars, and abandoned buildings. Trans* affirming. All services free. Does not serve youth. No pets allowed.
- Phone: 6 p.m. – 8 a.m., Monday – Sunday; In-Person: 5 p.m. – 7:30 a.m., Monday – Sunday during winter months
- 26 South Swan Street Albany, NY 12210
- (518) 704-4507
- https://www.iphny.org/what-we-do
- Walk-in services suspended due to COVID-19 – call for availability
LGBTQ+
Coming soon.
Mental Health
- Albany County Department of Mental Health: Psychiatric Crisis Services
- 24/7 psychiatric crisis services from Capital District Psychiatric Center Crisis Unit and Mobile Crisis Team. In-person services are available for those who cannot utilize telehealth (e.g. need injections, are in crisis), charges are based on insurance & sliding scale w/o insurance. Services confidential except in cases of suicidal/homicidal ideation. Clients sign release form to disclose any information to third parties.
- 175 Green Street Albany, NY 12202
- (518) 549-6500 (24/7)
- https://www.albanycounty.com/departments/mental-health
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center
- Services for victims of sexual assault or violence and those who care about them, including a hotline, individual counseling, crime victim assistance advocacy, community education, casework/practical assistance, legal/criminal justice system advocacy, professional education. All services are free, and confidential except in cases of suicidal/homicidal ideation or triggered mandatory reporting requirements. Services available to youth, including specialized therapy services.
- 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday
- 112 State St., Room 1010 Albany, NY 12207
- (518) 447-7100 (General)
- (518) 447-7716 (Hotline, 24/7)
- In-person services suspended due to COVID-19
Youth
Please note, people answering these calls may be mandatory reporters, and required to make a report to CPS or law enforcement in certain situations. Learn about local mandatory reporter laws here.
Coming soon.
Elders
Coming soon.
Crime
Coming soon.
Substances
Coming soon.
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Albany Police Department or 911 when faced with a situation that calls for de-escalation and/or intervention.
We have tried to indicate where police or law enforcement may work with the alternative resources listed; please let us know if you have any concerns about these resources.
Reimagine public safety. Don’t call the police.