Who this helps: Older New Yorkers (typically 60+) who want to age in place in their current apartment, plus the adult children and neighbors who are trying to help them stay safe, social, and supported at home. If your building has a lot of older residents, this article is the program almost no one tells you about.

The program hiding in plain sight in your apartment building

One of the most useful senior programs in New York City is also one of the least well-known. It is called a NORC — a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community — and it is exactly what it sounds like: an apartment building, a co-op, or a housing complex that, over decades, has organically become home to a large number of older adults. The city did not build these communities. The residents made them.

What the city does is fund services inside them. According to NYC Aging (the Department for the Aging), there are roughly 60 NORCs across the five boroughs, and the agency funds 36 of them as official supportive service programs. That funding pays for case managers, nurses, social workers, and program coordinators who work onsite — meaning the help comes to your lobby, not the other way around.

What you actually get from a NORC program

NORC programs are the closest thing in New York to a no-cost concierge for aging at home. Per NYC Aging and partner nonprofits like JASA, University Settlement, and Commonpoint Queens, services that may be available at a NORC near you include:

• Case management — a social worker who helps you sort out benefits, paperwork, Medicare issues, SNAP, SCRIE, and home health referrals.
• Health promotion and nursing — blood pressure clinics, medication reviews, vaccination drives, and chronic-condition support, often run inside the building’s community room.
• Mental health and counseling — onsite or referral-based therapy, often in partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals or community providers.
• Home-delivered meals and congregate meal programs through the city’s Aging network.
• Social activities — exercise classes, tai chi, English-language conversation, art programs, holiday gatherings.
• Transportation assistance for medical appointments and grocery trips.
• Light housekeeping and chore services at some sites.
• Tech help — most NORCs now run weekly phone, tablet, and telehealth coaching sessions.

The defining feature is that you do not have to leave your building to get most of it.

How to know if you live in a NORC

The fastest way is to ask your building manager, super, or co-op board if a NORC program operates in the building. The second fastest way is to call NYC Aging’s information line — 311 or, directly, 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469) — and ask. The agency keeps the official directory.

You can also check the NYC Aging “Find Services” tool at nyc.gov/aging and filter by NORC. NORCs operate citywide. A non-exhaustive list of operators that run multiple sites:

• JASA — operates several NORC programs across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
• University Settlement — runs Village View NORC on the Lower East Side.
• Commonpoint Queens — operates multiple NORC sites in Queens.
• Selfhelp Community Services, Hamilton-Madison House, and CIDNY are among the other major NORC providers.

What it costs

NORC services funded by NYC Aging are generally free for participants. There may be voluntary contributions for meals or specific activities, and some health screenings may bill insurance, but the core case management, social work, and programming are funded by the city.

What if your building is not a NORC?

You still have options. NYC Aging funds:

• Older Adult Centers (formerly senior centers) — more than 250 across the five boroughs, with congregate meals, exercise, and social programming.
• Case Management Agencies — neighborhood-based agencies (one or more per community district) that provide the same case management as a NORC, just not inside your building.
• Home-Delivered Meals for homebound older adults.
• Friendly Visiting for seniors at risk of isolation.

The single doorway to all of it is 311 or 212-244-6469. Ask for a referral to your borough’s Case Management Agency. They will assign someone to assess what you need and connect you to the appropriate services.

For adult children: how to get a parent enrolled

This is one of the most common calls Case Management Agencies receive. The script:

1. Call NYC Aging at 212-244-6469 with the older adult on the line if possible (you can call on their behalf with their permission).
2. Provide their address. The intake worker will identify whether the building is part of a funded NORC or refer the case to the right Case Management Agency for that ZIP code.
3. An intake assessment is scheduled — often a home visit. The case manager will identify needs (food security, mobility, mental health, isolation, financial benefits) and build a service plan.
4. Services begin. Reassessments happen at least annually.

How to take action this weekend

1. Save the number: NYC Aging at 212-244-6469, or dial 311 and ask for “Aging Services.”
2. Ask your building: super, board, or property manager — “Is there a NORC program here?” If yes, get the on-site coordinator’s name and number.
3. If you live alone or know an older neighbor who does, call NYC Aging Monday morning and request a Case Management Agency referral.
4. For meals: Home-Delivered Meals enrollment also runs through 212-244-6469.
5. For social connection: Find your nearest Older Adult Center via the NYC Aging “Find Services” tool. Most centers welcome drop-in visits — bring a photo ID.

This article provides general public-service information. Eligibility rules, NORC site locations, and phone numbers are subject to change; verify with NYC Aging at nyc.gov/aging before relying on details. For medical or legal questions specific to a senior’s situation, contact a healthcare provider or attorney.

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