Historic Cold Snap Kills Unhoused New Yorkers Despite Expanded Outreach and Shelter Initiatives
A historic winter cold snap that swept across New York City in late January left at least 16 people dead, mostly unhoused individuals found in outdoor locations despite the Mamdani administration’s expanded shelter outreach and emergency protocols. The deaths have sparked debate about whether the administration’s approach to homelessnesswhich emphasizes voluntary shelter acceptance and outreachis adequate during extreme weather events.
The Cold Snap’s Severity
Winter Storm Fern, which dropped more than 16 inches of snow across parts of New York City, was followed by an Arctic cold snap with wind chills dipping to 15 degrees below zero. Meteorologists described the weather as potentially historic in its impact. According to the National Weather Service, the consecutive days of below-32-degree temperatures constitute the longest such stretch the city may have experienced in modern history.
Death Toll and Investigation
Mayor Mamdani announced that 16 deaths have been linked to the cold weather, though he noted that not all cases have been confirmed as hypothermia by the medical examiner’s office. Of the 16 deceased, at least 13 preliminary investigations indicated hypothermia played a primary role, while three appeared overdose-related. The deaths spanned all five boroughs, with four in Queens, three in Brooklyn, two in Manhattan, and one in the Bronx.
Profile of Deceased Individuals
According to city officials, none of the deceased were on the city’s list of known vulnerable homeless people, suggesting the individuals had not been engaged by city outreach services. In one tragic case, a 52-year-old Ecuadorian immigrant who had recently been discharged from a hospital for substance abuse treatment was found dead on a park bench in Corona, Queens. In another, a 90-year-old woman named Doreen Ellis was discovered behind her apartment building in Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
Administration’s Response Protocol
In response to the cold snap, the Mamdani administration declared a Code Blue Weather Emergency on January 19, and later implemented enhanced emergency protocols. The Code Blue triggers specific responses: 311 calls are rerouted to 911 for faster response, shelter intake procedures are loosened to accommodate as many people as possible, and city agencies conduct round-the-clock checks and outreach in high-need areas.
Shelter Placements and Outreach
City officials reported that since the emergency period began, the administration has successfully placed more than 860 people into shelters and safe havens. Mamdani stated that the city has opened new low-barrier shelters and deployed on-call ambulances specifically to transport individuals from the street into warming centers. Hospital discharge procedures were adjusted to prevent patients with no housing from being discharged into the cold.
Criticism of Homelessness Approach
The deaths have drawn criticism from observers who argue that the Mamdani administration’s reluctance to forcibly remove individuals from the street contributed to the toll. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman tweeted at the mayor asking about the homeless who died and suggesting the administration was not using every tool available. Others argued that Mamdani’s shift away from previous police-led encampment sweeps created a dangerous vacuum.
The Administration’s Defense
Mayor Mamdani has acknowledged using involuntary removal only as a last resort. He stated that 16 individuals were forcibly taken into shelter or medical care when deemed dangers to themselves or others. The administration argues that enforcement-only approaches have failed historically and that building trust through voluntary outreach and expanded services is more effective long-term.
Precedent Under Previous Administrations
The Mamdani administration noted that previous cold-weather death tolls provide context. While exact comparisons are difficult due to different counting methodologies, city officials argue that aggressive outreach combined with expanded shelter capacity has prevented worse outcomes.
Winter Storm Emergency Measures
Beyond emergency shelter expansion, the administration coordinated multiple city agencies to manage the storm. The Department of Sanitation deployed approximately 2,000 workers on 12-hour shifts with 700 salt spreaders and more than 2,000 plows. The mayor closed schools and shifted to remote learning to prevent injuries.
Long-Term Homelessness Solutions
City officials have emphasized that emergency cold-weather response, while necessary, cannot substitute for permanent housing solutions. The administration’s broader housing platform calls for constructing 200,000 new affordable units over 10 years and doubling NYCHA capital investments. These initiatives are designed to address root causes of homelessness.
Broader Weather Impact
Beyond the homeless death toll, the winter storm caused widespread disruption. More than 1 million people lost power. Thousands of flights were canceled. Several deaths occurred among housed individuals attempting to clear snow. Learn more about homelessness policy, city shelter services, and tenant and homelessness rights.
