New York City Launches LinkNYC PSA Urging Unsheltered Residents Come Indoors During Cold Snap

New York, NY — New York City is rolling out a new LinkNYC public service announcement urging New Yorkers experiencing homelessness to come indoors as dangerously cold temperatures persist this week. The video is now playing on LinkNYC terminals citywide, offering step-by-step guidance on how to request help from the kiosks.

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani said the kiosks can serve as a “lifeline” during severe winter weather. The PSA tells people staying outside that they can use any LinkNYC kiosk to place a free call to 311 to connect with city outreach teams and shelter options. For emergencies, the terminals include a red button that connects directly to 911.

City officials said the effort is part of a broader winter response that includes expanded street outreach, mobile warming units staffed with clinicians and services, and additional shelter capacity. Since the start of the extreme winter weather period, the city reported nearly 1,000 placements into shelter.

Earlier this week, Mamdani and Department of Social Services Commissioner Molly Wasow Park announced the opening of a new Safe Haven shelter that the city said was fast-tracked in response to the cold snap. The administration also highlighted expanded single-room-occupancy-style units for people who have been hesitant to use traditional congregate shelters.

For families and residents concerned about someone outside, the city is urging people to check on neighbors and call 311 for outreach support, or 911 if the situation appears life-threatening. Officials said the PSA is expected to generate millions of impressions over the next several days.

City leaders said additional updates will continue through the cold-weather stretch, and residents should monitor official NYC alerts for changes to warming center hours and shelter operations.