Snowstorm Hits New York City’s Homeless Again

A new blizzard has swept through New York City, piling up nearly two feet of snow and dropping temperatures sharply. This storm follows a previous cold snap that claimed at least twenty lives on the streets, leaving many people without shelter or warmth. The city’s mayor has been very visible in his response, appearing on television and social media in a bright jacket to urge residents to stay safe. He has also held briefings at the emergency operations center, surrounded by officials in heavy coats. Despite having faced two major winter storms during his term, the mayor now has a chance to improve the city’s response. The latest weather is expected to lift into the low 40s by Wednesday, which could give people more time to move indoors. In a recent press conference, he said no outdoor deaths had been recorded so far.The administration has sent out hundreds of workers to help the homeless find heated spaces. They have used buses, hospitals and schools as temporary shelters. The city also launched mobile units that deliver warm supplies directly to those on the street and can transport them to permanent shelters. New emergency beds were added, and overdose prevention centers stayed open overnight. The mayor highlighted that the city learned from last winter’s mistakes. By starting these efforts early in the current storm, officials hope to keep more people safe and reduce fatalities.