NYC Mayor Mamdani on Cold Weather Deaths and Homeless Outreach Efforts

Cold Weather Fatalities in New York City

• ❄️ 16 New Yorkers have died outdoors during a sustained period of freezing temperatures and snow.
• ⚠️ Preliminary findings indicate hypothermia played a role in 13 of these deaths, with three appearing to be overdose-related.
• 💔 The Mayor expressed condolences to the families and emphasized that each life lost is a tragedy.
• 📌 It appears none of the individuals who died were living in homeless encampments at the time of their death.

City's Response to Cold Weather

• 🆘 New York City remains under a Code Blue alert, signifying dangerous cold conditions.
• 🤝 The city is intensifying outreach efforts to get homeless New Yorkers into shelters and safe havens.
• 🏘️ Warming sites and warming vehicles are operating across all five boroughs, with expanded shelter capacity and relaxed intake rules.
• 🚑 Mobile warming units, equipped with clinical staff, have been expanded to a fleet of 20.

Outreach and Shelter Services

• 🎯 Over 930 placements to shelters and safe havens have been made as of this morning.
• ⚖️ 18 New Yorkers were involuntarily transported after being deemed a danger to themselves or others.
• 🚪 50 new single room shelter units have been added for those uncomfortable with other shelter types.
• 🚫 The commitment is that no one will be turned away, and every single person will be cared for.

Public Call to Action

• 📢 New Yorkers are urged to check in on their neighbors, particularly vulnerable individuals like those with disabilities and older adults.
• 📞 If you see someone in need, please call 311 for a response from outreach workers and first responders.
• 💪 The Mayor expressed confidence that the city will get through this cold period together.