Many of the Irish, when they emigrated to NY, found themselves without a job or place to live and no income.  Thousands were helped by the NYC Bellevue Almshouse.  Thanks the Digital Almshouse Project for getting the records transcribed and then sharing them to get get them online. You can find a link to them on my website at: http://www.connorsgenealogy.com/nyc/ -- Pat Connors http://www.connorsgenealogy.com