More NYC Homeless Deaths as Frigid Temps Persist

Thirteen people have died on the streets since last weekend's snowstorm, officials say.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:31pm

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As New York City continues to experience dangerously low temperatures, the number of people dying on the streets has increased. Thirteen people have died since Sunday's snowstorm, according to city officials. The victims include a 67-year-old man found dead on Third Avenue, a 64-year-old woman found near Remsen Avenue, and another man found dead on Warren Street. The city has intensified homeless outreach efforts and opened a new low-barrier shelter, but more resources are needed to address the crisis.

Why it matters

New York City's homeless population has long struggled with the dangers of extreme winter weather, and this latest spike in deaths highlights the urgent need for more comprehensive solutions to protect the city's most vulnerable residents. The crisis also raises questions about the effectiveness of the city's current homeless outreach and shelter programs.

The details

According to city officials, five people were initially found dead on Saturday as temperatures dropped, and two more were found dead by Monday. Some of the victims had been in homeless shelters in the past. The city has intensified its homeless outreach efforts, making over 800 placements since the start of the cold weather, and has opened a new low-barrier shelter. The city is also utilizing on-call ambulettes to go directly to homeless individuals and encourage them to seek shelter and warmth.

  • On Sunday, a winter storm affected the area, and temperatures dropped dangerously low.
  • On Saturday, five people were initially found dead as temperatures dropped.
  • By Monday, two more New Yorkers were found dead during the cold winter stretch.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City.

Dora Pekec

A spokesperson for New York City's City Hall.

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What they’re saying

“[The city] can confirm there have been 13 outdoor deaths since the start of the snow storm and this stretch of life-threatening cold weather. From our DSS workers to NYPD officers, our administration has intensified homeless outreach efforts and successfully made over 800 placements since the beginning of what could be the longest period of consecutive sub-32 degree days in city history.”

— Dora Pekec, City Hall spokesperson (pix11.com)

What’s next

The city said it will continue working to connect vulnerable New Yorkers to resources such as shelters, Safe Havens, drop-in centers, and warming buses. During Code Blue, DSS relaxes intake procedures to allow everyone to enter shelters immediately.

The takeaway

This tragic spike in homeless deaths underscores the urgent need for the city to invest in more comprehensive and accessible homeless services, including low-barrier shelters, outreach programs, and emergency warming centers, to protect the most vulnerable residents from the dangers of extreme winter weather.