New York City (NYC)
Social Services, Welfare, Health and Health Services

NYC has had an elaborate and generous program of public assistance - a social safety net – since its earliest settlement in the early 17th century.  It has always been ahead of the mainstream in providing for the poor, the elderly, the infirmed and those just down on their luck.  Perhaps this has been the case because NYC has been the major point of entry for immigrants from all over the world who often needed some support.  Of course, this redounded to the benefit of the City as well.  The immigrants came and, in time, all residents had recourse to a variety of social services. 

The following section provides a cross section of social services and their activities.