TODAY, Mayor Mamdani announced that LinkNYC terminals across the city are playing a public service announcement (PSA) directly urging homeless New Yorkers to come indoors and connect with city services as dangerously cold temperatures continue.
The video also provides guidance for New Yorkers who are concerned about someone they see outside, explaining how to request help using the LinkNYC kiosks. Anyone can use the terminals to make a free call to 311 or connect directly to emergency services by pressing the red 911 button.
"With temperatures this low, being outside can be life-threatening. These kiosks are everywhere, they're free to use, and they can be a lifeline," said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani.
"LinkNYC is proud to partner with the Mamdani administration to help keep our most vulnerable neighbors safe, warm, and informed," said Nick Colvin, CEO of LinkNYC. "During severe winter weather, it's critical that New Yorkers know they can use any LinkNYC kiosk to connect with shelters, food pantries, warming centers, and 311 for free."
Over the next several days, the PSA is expected to receive millions of impressions. Every LinkNYC terminal includes a dial pad for free calls to 311, as well as a direct connection to 911 for emergencies.
The PSA is part of a broader, whole-of-government effort to bring people in from the cold and connect them with shelter and ongoing support. Since the beginning of extreme winter weather, the city has made nearly 1,000 placements into shelter.
Earlier this week, the Mayor joined Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Molly Wasow Park to announce the opening a new Safe Haven shelter, which was fast-tracked in response to the cold snap. The administration has also expanded single-room-occupancy style units designed for New Yorkers who have been hesitant to use traditional shelter options.
The city continues to deploy mobile warming units staffed with clinicians and services, along with enhanced warming centers, to ensure multiple pathways off the street and out of the cold.
"Today's announcement is about meeting people where they are. If you're outside, we want you inside. If you're worried about someone else, help is just a call away. We are here, and we are ready to help," Mamdani said.
Transcript:
New York, we will continue to see dangerously cold temperatures this week.
The whole city has mobilized to respond, but we all have to play our part keeping ourselves and our fellow New Yorkers safe.
Check on your neighbors and if you see someone who may need help, call 311 or 911 and outreach workers and city first responders will answer.
If you are staying outside, please come indoors. We want to help keep you safe. You can call 311 or 911 from any LinkNYC kiosk, including this one, and get connected to a warming shelter and other city services.
