Outreach Workers Struggle to Convince Homeless New Yorkers to Seek Shelter

Frigid winter conditions have increased urgency, but many homeless people avoid shelters due to safety concerns and rules

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:28am

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As New York City faces a brutal winter, outreach workers are trying to convince homeless people living on the streets to seek shelter. However, many are reluctant to go to shelters due to concerns about violence, theft, and strict rules. The new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has emphasized building more affordable housing, but has faced criticism for not doing enough to get people off the streets immediately during the cold snap. Outreach workers say building trust is key, and removing people against their will can set back long-term efforts to help them.

Why it matters

Homelessness is a persistent challenge in New York City, and the city's approach to getting people off the streets has faced scrutiny, especially during extreme weather events. This story highlights the complex factors that lead some homeless individuals to avoid shelters, and the difficulty outreach workers face in convincing them to seek indoor refuge.

The details

Outreach workers from the Center for Urban Community Services encountered a woman living under an overpass in East Harlem, who they had been trying to help for nearly four years. She agreed to accept a coffee, which the worker said was a rare interaction. Many homeless people avoid shelters due to concerns about violence, theft, and strict rules, as well as the difficulty of having to give up their belongings. The new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has emphasized building more affordable housing, but has faced criticism for not doing enough to get people off the streets during the recent brutal cold snap, which led to at least 20 deaths.

  • In January and February 2026, the Department of Homeless Services made 44 involuntary transports, about 1.9 per day, compared to an average of about 4 per day in the same period in 2025 and 2024.
  • A brutal, biting cold snap hit New York City just weeks into Mayor Mamdani's term.

The players

Alexandra Coleman

An outreach worker from the Center for Urban Community Services.

Zohran Mamdani

The new mayor of New York City, who has emphasized building more affordable housing but faced criticism for not doing enough to get people off the streets during the recent cold snap.

Brian Stettin

A senior adviser for severe mental illness under former Mayor Eric Adams.

Deborah Berkman

The director of the shelter and economic stability project at the New York Legal Assistance Group.

Lauren Schuster

The chief external affairs officer at the Urban Resource Institute.

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What they’re saying

“We don't know her name. We don't know anything about her.”

— Alexandra Coleman, Outreach worker (dnyuz.com)

“I don't think that should happen when temperatures are as dangerous as they were. A more appropriate approach would be everybody has got to come inside.”

— Brian Stettin, Senior adviser for severe mental illness under former Mayor Eric Adams (dnyuz.com)

“The mayor has been very clear, not just in his words but in his actions. Our outreach has prioritized and will continue to prioritize building trust and providing homeless New Yorkers with a range of options to come in from off the street voluntarily.”

— Joe Calvello, Spokesman for Mayor Zohran Mamdani (dnyuz.com)

“Unfortunately, I've heard a lot of very terrible stories about things that have happened in shelter. I understand why people would feel safer by themselves or with a small group of people outside.”

— Deborah Berkman, Director of the shelter and economic stability project at the New York Legal Assistance Group (dnyuz.com)

“Put yourself in their position. You have accumulated this stuff, these items that have now become your entire world. They're all you have and you're being asked to relinquish them to enter shelter. That is a devastating calculation to make for people.”

— Lauren Schuster, Chief external affairs officer at the Urban Resource Institute (dnyuz.com)

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 story highlights the complex challenges facing outreach workers as they try to convince homeless individuals to seek shelter, especially during extreme weather events. Building trust is key, but the concerns many have about safety and rules in shelters make it difficult to get people off the streets. The new mayor's approach will continue to face scrutiny as the city grapples with this persistent issue.