New York City Opens Warming Centers as Cold Snap Hits Homeless

Bellevue Hospital and other facilities provide refuge from freezing temperatures

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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As weekend temperatures fell into the single digits, New York City operated 65 warming centers where homeless individuals could find cots, chairs, and respite from the cold. The warming centers, including at Bellevue Hospital, provided a temporary haven for those seeking shelter from the harsh winter conditions that have already claimed 18 lives in the city.

Why it matters

The severe cold spell has created an early test for Mayor Zohran Mamdani's efforts to get more homeless New Yorkers off the streets and into shelters or warming centers. While involuntary hospitalization remains a last resort, the city has been encouraging people to enter shelters and other indoor sites, with over 1,400 such placements made since the cold began on January 19.

The details

Bellevue Warming Center and other facilities operated by the city have provided cots, blankets, and other amenities for those seeking refuge from the cold. The centers have been operating on a first-come, first-served basis, with people arriving as early as 5:30 pm to secure a spot. In addition to the warming centers, the city has also utilized public schools, hospitals, buses, and CUNY spaces as temporary warming sites.

  • On January 19, the severe cold spell began in New York City.
  • Since the cold began, the city has involuntarily moved at least 34 New Yorkers inside.
  • Over the weekend, the city operated 65 warming facilities to provide shelter from the cold.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who has been working to get more homeless individuals off the streets and into shelters or warming centers.

Erfan Karim

The chief operating officer of Bellevue Hospital, which has partnered with the city to open a new warming space.

Olawale Adigun

The 45-year-old program director of the drop-in center and safe haven site in Jamaica, Queens, run by the Children's Rescue Fund.

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What they’re saying

“When people return back to the streets, I feel defeated.”

— Olawale Adigun, Program Director, Children's Rescue Fund (New York Times)

“This is my home. For the moment.”

— Steve Heron (New York Times)

“Oh, my God, it's terrible. It turns the tips of your fingers numb.”

— Welclen Figueroa (New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.