Where can I sleep safely outdoors at night in NYC this winter?

If worst comes to worst I may end up on the street. I’m trying to think of places I might be able to sleep safely outdoors if I need to. One of the things I’m worried about is being attacked while I’m sleeping. I’ve seen people sleeping in boxes in plain view but it always seems pretty vulnerable. I’ve been checking out loading docks and parks to try to find places that are more hidden. But then that seems even scarier because if someone finds me there I might not be able to get help since there won’t be anyone else around. During the cold months I can hang out during the day in a lot of public places as long as I can stay clean enough so that I don’t smell too bad. And there’s always scraps of food left over from what people don’t finish. But staying safe at night and being able to sleep is what scares me. Where would be the safest place to sleep?