New York City’s Homeless Population Faces Another Dangerous Storm

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by Wesley Parnell and Dana Rubinstein

February 24, 2026

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New York City’s homeless population is bracing for another potentially deadly winter storm, following a previous cold spell that claimed at least 20 lives. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has implemented new measures to address the crisis, drawing lessons from the city’s response during the last severe weather event. This time around, the administration has dispatched hundreds of outreach workers to offer access to heated shelters, ambulettes to transport homeless individuals to safety, and additional emergency shelter beds. These efforts aim to prevent a repeat of the tragic outcomes seen earlier this year. The current blizzard brought nearly two feet of snow and plummeting temperatures, with wind chills making conditions even more perilous. However, unlike the previous storm, which lasted weeks in freezing weather, this storm is expected to clear by Wednesday, with temperatures rising into the 40s. Mayor Mamdani has been actively communicating through social media and press conferences, emphasizing the importance of staying safe during the crisis. The city’s response includes keeping overdose prevention centers open overnight and ensuring access to essential services for those without shelter. These steps reflect a more proactive approach compared to initial reactions during the last storm. While no outdoor deaths have been reported so far, the risks remain high for New York City’s homeless population, who face extreme weather conditions with limited resources. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges of homelessness in urban areas, particularly during severe winter weather. The city’s

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/24/2026