Deadly cold tests New York’s ability to protect its homeless communities
Outreach teams battle mistrust, mental illness and thin resources as subzero weather pushes the city to its limits
TL;DR
- New York City is experiencing one of its longest subzero cold spells since 1960, resulting in 17 deaths, with 13 attributed to hypothermia.
- Outreach teams from non-profits like The Bridge are encountering difficulties such as mistrust from homeless individuals, their mental health struggles, and insufficient resources.
- The city has declared "Code Blue," which ensures no one is denied shelter access and police cannot force people from subway systems.
- A new approach involves deploying charter buses as mobile warming drop-ins, offering an alternative for those unwilling to use traditional shelters.
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani has urged New Yorkers to report individuals seen in the cold by calling 311, emphasizing a collective effort to provide help.