Snow Angels
Applications for the 2026-27 Snow Angel Program are NOW OPEN!
Snow-covered sidewalks can be hazardous for everyone. The City of Pittsburgh’s Snow Angels Program pairs older residents and people with disabilities with nearby neighbors to assist with snow removal on their sidewalks and walkways.
Along with fostering stronger community relationships and relieving some of the stress that comes from a heavy snowfall or freeze, Snow Angels make our sidewalks safer for those who are outside during winter weather like postal workers, firefighters, police officers, and other neighbors.
Community groups, coaches, faith-based organizations, and community leaders are all encouraged to sign-up as Snow Angels to support your neighbors in need
Requirements to request a volunteer Snow Angel:
Recipient must be at least 62 years old, or be unable to perform snow removal due to physical mobility impairments
Recipient must live within city limits. Click here to use our interactive city residency map to find out if your address is within the city boundary
Recipient must lack the resources (financial, family, and/or friends nearby) to assist with snow removal
Things to know before signing up:
Applicants are not guaranteed assistance
Service depends on if there’s a Snow Angel who has signed up to volunteer near you. Our staff works closely with the community to do the best volunteer recruitment and outreach we can, but we cannot guarantee you will be matched.
We will notify you by email or phone call
One a recipient is selected to participate in the program, a team member will notify you by phone or email. Registration is on a rolling basis, so a Snow Angel may become available later in the season. If this happens, we will contact you when we have a match.
You may not receive immediate help during a snowfall
Please give your volunteer a reasonable amount of time to assist you. We typically recommend allowing 24-hours after a snow event to allow your Snow Angel to arrive as your Snow Angel may have work, family, or personal matters that prevent them from immediately addressing your sidewalk or walkway.
You do not have to be home when a volunteer arrives to help
Please give your volunteer a reasonable amount of time to assist you. We typically recommend allowing 24-hours after a snow event to allow your Snow Angel to arrive as your Snow Angel may have work, family, or personal matters that prevent them from immediately addressing your sidewalk or walkway.
FAQs
Q - How will I know if I've been selected as a Snow Angel Volunteer?
A - We will contact volunteers via email with confirmation details when they have been assigned a neighbor.
Q - Is there a deadline to sign up?
A - Volunteers and recipients may not be assigned immediately. Neighbors request help throughout the winter season. Volunteers may be assigned immediately, a few weeks after signing up, or later during the winter..
Q - I signed up, but haven't been assigned a neighbor in need. Now what?
A - Volunteer assignments depend on if a neighbor nearby needs help. If no neighbors sign up, we may not be able to assign volunteers. Either way, we will keep in touch!
Q - How soon do I have to shovel for my neighbor?
A - We ask that volunteers help out neighbors as soon as they are able, and within 24-hours of the end of a snow event.
Q - Can I help more people?
A - If volunteers are willing to help shovel and salt for more than one neighbor, please let us know on the sign-up form. We'll do our best to match you with another nearby neighbor.
Q - How will I know if I have a Snow Angel?
A - Volunteers and recipients may not be assigned immediately, but we'll let both parties know when they have been assigned by either emailing or calling them directly.
Q - How soon will my sidewalk/walkway be cleared?
A - We ask that volunteers help neighbors as soon as they are able, or within 24-hours after a snow event.
