INDIANAPOLIS — Adopted from Bloomington, Indiana’s Council for Community Accessibility, the Snow Buddies program matches volunteers with a neighbor who is unable to clear snow due to disability or age. Due to many requests for assistance, the city is asking for more volunteers.
Volunteers will be assigned to a resident in Indianapolis or Marion County, connecting you with a neighbor near to you geographically, unless you are willing to travel farther.
The Snow Buddies program covers the removal of snow from the pathway, including steps, between the residence’s door and the sidewalk, as well as the public sidewalk along the property. Buddies are not expected to clear snow from driveways, cars, or other areas. If your resident requests assistance with additional paths, garbage cans, vehicles, or driveways, you may provide help at your own discretion, but are not required to.
As this program was created in the spirit of volunteerism, please do not accept tips or payment above the level of an appreciatory hot beverage.
Buddies are expected to clear snow from the resident’s sidewalk and pathway within 24 hours of the end of a snowfall or to alert the program if they are unable to. There is not an obligation to go out during inclement weather; please wait until you feel safe to go out to assist with shoveling. If you are unable to assist (due to illness or travel, for example), please let us know so that we can coordinate a replacement.
If you have specialized snow-clearing tools, such as a truck with a plow attachment, and wish to be a Superhero Snow Buddy clearing multiple houses or driveways, your help would be appreciated. To register, visit www.indy.gov/activity/snow-buddies-indy