If he is planning to travel USA, he needs to get out of New York fast, it's one of the most expensive places in America for overnight accommodations.
First thing is to buy a cheap "pay as you go" cell phone so he has a USA phone number and a way to contact people and get calls back in. These are often sold in regular stores for about $10 and up, then you buy air time on top of that. He needs a cell phone with a USA number while he is traveling. Public libraries often have computers and internet he an use for free or low cost.
The YMCA in most towns has rooms for rent that are often reasonable, the one for the New York area is:
www.ymcanyc.org/association/guest-rooms
Once at the YMCA they can help him out with other towns that offer this.
One place to check for cheap or free places to overnight around USA is:
https://www.couchsurfing.org/
Cheap travel in USA can be had on Amtrak or Greyhound Bus to get out of New York or most anywhere.
http://greyhound.com
amtrak.com
If he chooses nighttime travel, then he can sleep on the bus or train, then have daylight to hunt for a place when he gets where he is going.
Another place to check is:
http://craigslist.org/
Once on Craigslist.org he will need to select New York City or whatever state and town he is in to check the local advertisements.
Once in the local section look for:
Community/RideShare
Often there are people leaving the area looking for riders to help drive, or help with fuel costs or help keep them awake by talking, it's an interesting way to meet people and travel randomly by car at low cost
There is also a housing section, but it's generally for long term housing, not just overnight stuff, but it's worth looking at.
Hope this helps him out some.
