Today’s press release from Councilmember Bill de Blasio tells how New Yorkers can help street homeless during this winter’s
coldest days. Temperatures are in the
teens and twenties – with wind chills that will make the temperature feel to be
in the single digits at times. According to the Department for Homeless Services (DHS), street homeless
individuals are at a higher risk for death due to the cold during the harsh
winter months.

"While street homelessness is a
problem many New Yorkers face all year long, it becomes especially dangerous
during the coldest winter months. The combination of well below-freezing temperatures, icy winds, and wet,
wintry weather spells disaster for those homeless individuals not utilizing the
traditional shelter system. If you
see or know of a street homeless person who is in need of shelter, there are a
few steps you can take to help. First, call 311; their operators will contact DHS and send an outreach
team to bring help to the client in need. DHS’s outreach teams will get the client any needed medical care, and
then take them to a shelter, drop-in center, safe haven, or a warming center or
bus. If it appears that the person is in need of medical assistance of any
kind, you should immediately call 911. Finally, if you’re still uncertain of what to do, please call my
district office for assistance, at 718-854-9791," said Councilmember Bill de
Blasio, Chair of the General Welfare Committee.