Pittsburgh seeks volunteer snow-shovelers to help keep sidewalks clear in winter

Pittsburgh is looking for volunteers to help seniors and residents with disabilities keep their sidewalks clear of snow and ice over the winter.

The city said there typically aren’t enough volunteers to meet demand for the annual Snow Angels program. Last year, 419 volunteers signed up to shovel sidewalks, while 543 residents requested help through the program, according to Maria Montaño, a spokesperson for Mayor Ed Gainey.

City officials are working to develop partnerships with community-based organizations, youth sports leagues, faith-based groups and employers to close that gap in neighborhoods such as Beechview, Brighton Heights, Brookline, Elliott, Greenfield, Homewood and the Hill District.

“We frequently talk about how we make our city safe and welcoming, and the Snow Angels program is a vital service for our neighbors in need,” Gainey said.

Volunteers are asked to shovel and salt sidewalks within 24 hours of a snow event. City officials will email further details to volunteers after they are assigned a neighbor in need.

To qualify to receive help through the program, people must be at least 62 and have a physical disability. People are not guaranteed assistance, as it depends on whether a volunteer has signed up nearby.

Volunteers can sign up online on the city’s website or by calling 311. Neighbors hoping to receive help through the initiative can call 311. People also can reach out to the program directly at snowangels@pittsburghpa.gov or 412-255-2626.