Resources
Here is a list of governmental and non-governmental resources that you may find helpful in addressing a problem involving government. It is not intended to be entirely comprehensive or address all areas, but it seeks to cover areas Civic Helpers frequently hears about. This list is most useful for people in Westchester County and New York State, though we hope others will find it helpful as well.
Government
Report discrimination, hate crimes, voting barriers, law enforcement misconduct, and housing complaints
DiscriminationReport Government Misconduct
Protects civil rights nationwide; submit a report for review and referrals
Discrimination
Nationwide resource with guidance on being a knowledgeable consumer, complaint steps, and consumer help contacts
Consumer Protection
This U.S. agency responds to complaints about financial products and services.
Consumer Protection
Find federal, state/territory, and local elected officials
General Government Contacts
A central location run by the FBI to report cyber crimes.
Crime Victims
Directory of local jurisdictions in Westchester County.
General Government Contacts
Find your U.S. Senators, Congressional Representative, State Senator, and Assemblymember
General Government Contacts
Investigates misconduct of state, county, and local judges.
Report Government Misconduct
File complaints for discrimination in employment, education, credit, or housing; report bias or harassment
Discrimination
Information about fair housing laws and fair housing organizations across New York State
Discrimination
State agency serving crime victims and families; information on compensation and support.
Crime Victims
Ensures that schools receiving funding from the Department of Education uphold federal civil rights laws
Discrimination
Enforces civil rights in healthcare and health information privacy laws
Discrimination
This Westchester County government department aims to prevent consumer fraud.
Consumer Protection
Assists with discrimination and bias/hate-based harassment in Westchester County
Discrimination
Find your Westchester County Legislator
General Government Contacts
Health and Insurance
Phone numbers and links for Medicare and Medicaid questions and answers
Healthcare
Educates and assists New Yorkers with healthcare system navigation, including billing, coverage denials, and small business coverage
Healthcare
An official resource for physician and medical facility information, along with complaint contacts
Healthcare
Disability rights advocacy across multiple Hudson Valley counties; benefits, employment, family services, peer support, crisis response
Disability Services
Supports people with special needs facing abuse or neglect; report incidents online or by phone
Disability Services
This is a national nonprofit that helps people access and understand Medicare.
Healthcare
Submit complaints about banks, lenders, mortgages, credit cards, student loans, vacant properties, and insurance (health, life, property/casualty, auto)
Insurance
Oversees health, safety, and well-being of New Yorkers; handles infectious diseases, health equity, and more
Healthcare
Ensures students with disabilities receive a quality education; offers info on services, procedures, and complaints
Disability Services
File complaints for discrimination or rights violations in healthcare; information on appealing healthcare decisions
Healthcare
A–Z health topics; 24-hour Public Health Information Line and other contacts
Healthcare
Provides a variety of services including facilitating accessible and affordable housing as well as health insurance for people with disabilities
Disability Services
Utilities, Housing, and General Resources
Report discrimination, hate crimes, voting barriers, law enforcement misconduct, and housing complaints
Housing
Contact for areas served by ConEd (NYC and much of Westchester County).
Utilities
State agency connecting NY children and families to health, education, and human services organizations
General Resources
Nationwide nonprofit that litigates to preserve civil rights of people with disabilities
Legal Services
Resources for homebuyers, homeowners, and renters; FHA is a part of HUD.
Housing
Connects families with support for children from newborns to age 22 on education, childcare, behavioral health, disabilities, medical care, necessities, and peer support
General Resources
Provides legal services on a range of issues for low-income individuals regardless of immigration status
Legal Services
Connects families and agencies; subdivision of the NY Council on Children and Families
General Resources
Free legal information related to public benefits, seniors, veterans, workers' rights, immigration, and more.
Legal Services
National search by address to find legal aid organizations
Legal Services
Free civil legal services across multiple counties in the Hudson Valley.
Legal Services
File utility complaints; phone support weekdays 8:30am–4pm.
Utilities
NYSEG serves large areas of NYS including northeastern Westchester; emergency & customer service contacts.
Utilities
Assistance with homeownership, homelessness, affordable housing, and disasters; counseling and complaint guidance; fraud/waste/abuse reporting
Housing
Contact the VA regarding healthcare, education benefits, service records, and more.
General Resources
Assistance and referrals to many services across the Hudson Valley - Call 2-1-1 from any phone in New York State.
General Resources
Services include temporary assistance, housing, childcare, foster care, SNAP food benefits, and more
General Resources
New County program offering free assistance to low-income residents facing eviction, rent issues, unsafe housing, in need of repairs
Housing
Something Missing?
Do you know of a good (and free) resource that we should consider adding to this list? Submit it here.
Loading form…