PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield's Department of Community Development is piloting a new program this winter, the Snow Angel program. 

 

The program will match community volunteers with a senior or person with a physical disability to assist with snow removal.

 

Snow on sidewalks can be hazardous for residents, including school children, those with limited mobility, and those who work outside in winter months like postal carriers or public safety officials. The city code requires property owners to clear snow from abutting sidewalks within 24 hours of the completion of the storm. This can be a challenge for older adults or residents with disabilities. The program's goal is to bring together residents who want to keep their sidewalks clear, but are physically unable to do so, with volunteers who want to help their community.

 

The Snow Angel program will pair a volunteer, a snow angel, with a neighbor in need. In the event of a snowstorm or significant snowfall, the snow angel will remove snow from their neighbor's driveway/walkway/sidewalk within 24 hours of a snowstorm. Snow angels will be matched with a neighbor within a 1-mile radius of their home. 

 

To be eligible for the program, neighbors in need must be 60 years of age or older, and/or have a disability which prevents them from removing snow on their own property. Neighbors in need must attest that they do not have the means to pay for outside help or have other means of assistance.

 

If you are interested in volunteering as a snow angel this winter to assist a neighbor in need or interested in receiving snow removal assistance (and you meet the above criteria), please contact Maddy Brown, Recreation and Special Events Coordinator at mbrown@cityofpittsfield.org.

 

Requests to be a part of the Snow Angel program for both volunteers and neighbors in need must be received by Nov. 10, 2023, to be processed by the Department of Community Development in advance of the winter weather.