Pittsburgh seeks 'snow angels' to clear sidewalks for elderly, disabled neighbors

Pittsburgh officials are looking for volunteer ‘snow angels’ to help elderly or disabled neighbors clear their sidewalks and walkways of snow throughout the winter.

The city’s Snow Angels Program pairs volunteers with neighbors who can’t shovel their own sidewalks to ensure that sidewalks are shoveled and salted during inclement weather.

“This program provides a vital service for our neighbors in need and ensures that our sidewalks stay safe for everyone during and after winter weather events,” Mayor Ed Gainey said.

Data from past years showed that there aren’t enough volunteers to meet demand throughout the city, officials said. To close the gap, the city is looking to partner with community-based organizations, youth sports leagues, faith-based groups and employers to provide extra snow angel volunteers in several Pittsburgh neighborhoods that need extra volunteers:

• Beechview
• Brighton Heights
• Brookline
• Carrick
• East Liberty
• Elliott
• Greenfield
• Hill District
• Homewood
• Manchester
• Marshall-Shadeland
• Mount Washington
• Perry South
• Sheraden
• Stanton Heights

Officials said the program aims to ensure sidewalks are safe for people who have to use them during inclement weather, including postal workers and first responders.

Volunteers can register online at the city’s website.

Volunteers will be assigned to a neighbor in need of a snow angel who lives no more than a 10-minute walk from their address. Officials ask that volunteers help their assigned neighbor as soon as possible or within 24 hours of the end of snow.

People can also register online if they need a snow angel. The city cannot guarantee that they will be able to provide a snow angel. People who are paired with a volunteer should have a shovel and salt available outside their home. Residents must be at least 60 years old or have a physical disability to register.

Related:

• Pittsburgh sets goal to clear roads within 24 hours of snowfall

• Pittsburghers skeptical of mayor's snow removal goals

• New public works facility won't be ready to help Pittsburgh's South Hills neighborhoods this winter