Snow Buddies

Information for Volunteers

• You will be assigned to a resident in Bloomington. We aim to connect you with a neighbor near to you geographically, unless you are willing to travel farther.
• Depending on need, you may not be assigned to help someone immediately.
• 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. 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, please let us know!

To apply, fill out the information in Become a Snow Buddy.

Information for Recipients

The Snow Buddies program offers support to Monroe County residents with disabilities and elderly residents who are unable to clear snow from sidewalks and walkways. It is specifically intended for those who do not have the financial means to pay for a snow shoveling service and who do not have neighbors, friends, and family members who can assist them.

• Snow Buddies is a volunteer program. Applying does not guarantee that you will be matched with a buddy.
• Addresses far outside city limits are less likely to be matched with a volunteer nearby.
• The Snow Buddies program covers the removal of snow from the pathway, including steps, between your residence’s door and the sidewalk, as well as the public sidewalk along your property. Buddies are not expected to clear snow from driveways, cars, or other areas.
• Buddies are expected to clear snow from your sidewalk and pathway within 24 hours of the end of a snowfall or to alert the program if they are unable to. Buddies may be unable to shovel due to illness or other life circumstances. Please have a backup plan in place in the event that your Snow Buddy is unable to help or runs late due to other commitments.
• Snow Buddies are volunteers and aren’t supposed to accept tips or other payment. If you wish to offer something to show appreciation, please keep it at the level of a hot beverage.
• The Council for Community Accessibility, the City of Bloomington, or your Snow Buddy volunteer are not responsible for any damage to your property, such as vehicles or landscaping, that occurs during snow removal.
• If you have a reliable snow shovel or deicing salt/snowmelt, please ensure that they are available and easily accessible outside your home and communicate their location to your Snow Buddy.
• You do not need to be home to welcome your buddy. While you may wish to say hello, there is no requirement to interact with your buddy in person if you do not wish to.

To apply, fill out the information in Request a Snow Buddy.

Thank You!

The Snow Buddies program is a volunteer-based initiative, and we thank our volunteers for their generosity and their willingness to commit their time and energy. This is Bloomington’s first year piloting this program, and we hope for a great experience for everyone.

Contact ccaassist@bloomington.in.gov or 812-349-3478 with any questions.