For some New Yorkers, Monday’s blizzard conditions meant braving the cold for the sake of others who needed some help.
Although the winter storm fell short of historic expectations when it blew through New York City on Monday night, it did blanket the five boroughs with 7 to 9 inches of snow and created plenty of dangerous winds. While many New Yorkers were curled up under blankets waiting for the storm to pass, several organizations were hard at work, helping bring food, warmth and shelter to those who could use it most.
Here are four groups that were helping vulnerable residents get through Monday night safely:
Volunteers pass out food and winter clothing items to the needy on Monday night. Photo: Juan De La Cruz
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The NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) didn’t slow down its efforts because of the winter weather — it sped them up.
MSNBC reported that the department enhanced street outreach operations in light of Juno. DHS told the outlet that five vans typically transport homeless people to shelters, but it would raise that number to 11 on Monday and Tuesday nights. Another 10 vans will be working along the subway system.
“Our outreach efforts are in full force,” DHS Commissioner Gilbert Taylor said at a press conference on Monday. “We have doubled efforts to bring people into shelter.”
On Monday, DHS reminded its followers on Twitter that extreme winter weather can be “fatal for homeless [people],” and encouraged anyone in need of help to dial 3-1-1. Learn more here.
