Fact Check: Did Zohran Mamdani say 'homeless are better off on streets'?

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: After closing down New York City's largest homeless shelter, a claim began circulating on social media platforms that Mayor Zohran Mamdani is shutting down the shelter because he said that homeless people are better off on the streets and have adapted to the cold weather. Let us analyze what he said and fact-check the claim.

Claim: Zohran Mamdani said homeless are better off on the streets

After announcing the closure of the men’s shelter in Manhattan, a quote attributed to Myor Mamdani has been making rounds on social media. According to the claim, Mamdani said, “I am closing a 250-capacity homeless shelter because it’s in disrepair." 

"Those people are better off on the streets anyway. They have adapted to the cold weather quite well. They will be fine."

The quote has been widely shared on various social media platforms such as X and Facebook, garnering hundreds of thousands of views, with many believing it to be true.

Fact Check: False, quote is falsely attributed to Zohran Mamdani

Although Mamdani announced that he is closing down the homeless shelter in the city due to long-term disrepair, he did not say that the homeless are better off on the streets and can adapt to the cold weather. 

There is no evidence that the New York City mayor made such a statement, and hence the quote is falsely attributed to him.

A fact check by Grok debunked the claim, stating, “The image in that post features a fake quote falsely attributed to NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. He did announce closing the 250-bed Bellevue men's shelter on East 30th St. due to long-term disrepair (inherited issues from prior admin), with residents relocating to other sites by mid-March and full closure by the end of April."

"His actual statement emphasized moving to 'safe, humane and truly livable' spaces as part of broader shelter modernization—no mention of streets, cold adaptation, or 'they'll be fine.' It's a satirical meme.”

Zohran Mamdani calls for humane homeless shelters

Mamdani said in a statement, “My administration is focused on ensuring every New Yorker experiencing homelessness not only has access to shelter, but to spaces that are safe, humane, and truly livable. We cannot accept a system that treats people without dignity or stability.”

“For decades, the 30th Street facility has served as the primary intake center for adult men and adult families across all five boroughs,” said the Coalition for the Homeless and Legal Aid Society in a joint statement.