For many of us, thoughts of blasting the heater while wearing more layers than you can count is the only thing keeping us going in the cold. But as you turn up the dial, take a moment to consider your unhoused neighbors — who are enduring these same temperatures, but without the warmth, shelter or resources many of us rely on. There are more than 350,000 unhoused residents in New York City, a number that becomes even more alarming as winter reaches its peak. As temperatures plunge, people experiencing homelessness face life-threatening risks, including hypothermia, frostbite, worsening respiratory conditions and heightened mental health challenges, making immediate community support critical. Here are four ways you can help out your unhoused neighbors combat the cold this winter.
Connect them to a shelter or a warming center
One of the most impactful ways to support unhoused communities is to help get them out of the cold and into a safe, warm space. During extreme weather conditions, New York City operates emergency shelters and warming centers that can provide heat, food, medical attention and a place to rest. Located next to Lafayette Hall, the Bowery Mission’s Tribeca campus is an easily accessible space near campus that you can use to help someone in need. The Bowery Mission provides meals, shelter and clothing 24/7 to those looking for immediate support. Guests are able to stay for up to 7 days, with prospects to connect them to more long-term shelter relief programs.
Donate winter items
Access to clothing and items to keep warm goes a long way during the winter. There are multiple organizations around the city that specialize in collecting donations of winter items and reallocating these resources to those in need. One of the largest donation-based organizations in the city is New York Cares’ Coat Drive, an annual event dedicated to collecting and distributing coats during the winter. With 27 drop-off sites across all five boroughs, the Coat Drive is open through February to help support those who could use some extra warmth. If you’re seeking to offer more than just a used coat, then you can also look to your nearest Salvation Army that accepts most donations and gives them to people in need.
Offer warmth through a hot drink or food
Sharing a hot drink or meal is a simple, direct way to support unhoused neighbors during the winter months. For unhoused neighbors, warm beverages or meals can provide critical relief while offering up a moment of community and care. This can look like sharing a coffee or soup from a nearby restaurant, using your meal swipes to provide a balanced meal or simply reaching out to hear what someone might need. These smaller, person-to-person exchanges can help build trust and community during these extreme weather conditions and remind us that care does not need to be transactional to be meaningful.
Get involved with on-campus mutual aid groups
Washington Square Park is home to several mutual aid groups focused on providing immediate, community-based support — especially during the cold winter months. Groups like Washington Square Park Mutual Aid and Community Care Collective work directly with those facing food and shelter insecurity by providing them with hot meals, drinks and supplies to keep warm. These groups are always looking for extra hands on deck to extend as much support as they can. When it comes to helping our unhoused neighbors, taking the first steps may feel daunting at first. However, getting involved with mutual aid efforts already operating in the heart of campus offers the NYU community an accessible way to start, helping ensure that no one is left to face the cold alone.
Contact Noor Maahin at [email protected].