New York City Criticized for Lack of Homeless Outreach During Deadly Cold Snap

Analysis shows most 311 calls for homeless assistance did not result in services provided

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A newly released analysis of city data shows that the overwhelming majority of emergency calls requesting help for homeless New Yorkers during a recent deadly cold snap did not result in assistance. According to records reviewed during a City Council hearing, 1,183 'homeless person assistance' calls were made to the city's 311 system between January 25 and February 9 as frigid temperatures gripped the city, but 96% of those calls did not lead to services being provided. During the same period, 18 homeless individuals died, and the city's medical examiner testified that at least 15 of those deaths were directly linked to hypothermia.

Why it matters

The figures discussed during the City Council hearing highlight gaps in the city's outreach, shelter capacity, mental health resources, and follow-up efforts for the homeless population during extreme weather emergencies. The deaths were seen as preventable, raising questions about the city's preparedness and response protocols for protecting vulnerable residents.

The details

Officials testified that in 850 cases (72%), outreach workers were unable to locate the individual reported to 311, and in 250 cases, the person declined services offered by a mobile outreach team. Only 20 individuals ultimately accepted assistance, including shelter placement or mental health support. The hearing also focused on issues with the city's 'Code Blue' protocol, which initially directed homeless assistance calls to 311 instead of the faster-response 911 system.

  • Between January 25 and February 9, 2026, a major winter storm gripped New York City.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who held a press conference at the New York City Office of Emergency Management during the winter storm.

Julie Menin

The City Council Speaker who said the deaths were not inevitable and pointed to gaps in outreach, shelter capacity, mental health resources, and follow-up efforts.

Phil Wong

A City Council member who criticized the delay in escalating homeless-related calls to 911 during life-threatening conditions.

Department of Social Services

The city agency that provided testimony during the City Council hearing.

New York City Office of Emergency Management

The city agency that provided testimony during the City Council hearing.

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What they’re saying

“In deep freeze situations, we have to take Code Blue seriously because time is of the essence when lives are on the line.”

— Phil Wong, City Council member (wabcradio.com)

“The deaths were not inevitable, pointing to what she described as gaps in outreach, shelter capacity, mental health resources and follow-up efforts.”

— Julie Menin, City Council Speaker (wabcradio.com)

What’s next

The City Council hearing focused on how to improve coordination between agencies and reduce delays in future emergencies, with a goal of enhancing the city's preparedness and response protocols for protecting vulnerable residents during extreme weather events.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical need for cities to have robust and well-coordinated emergency response systems in place to effectively assist the homeless population during life-threatening weather conditions. Gaps in outreach, shelter access, and follow-up efforts can have devastating consequences, underscoring the importance of proactive planning and resource allocation to safeguard the most vulnerable members of the community.