Snow Buddy 2021/22 Needs YOU!

Snow Buddy, a Volunteer Alexandria program, provides ice and snow removal for eligible Alexandrians. Volunteers are matched with low-income seniors, the homebound, or disabled, who are physically unable to do it themselves, cannot afford to pay for this service, and/or do not have neighbors, family, or friends to assist them. Volunteers will be matched according to their location and once assigned, volunteers will serve "their" resident/s for the entire winter season. The Snow Buddy program is critical to the safety of these residents, who may need to leave their homes for medical or other essential appointments, or to provide access to their property by healthcare workers or for deliveries. Additionally, depending on the storm response level, the City of Alexandria requires property owners and tenants to clear snow and ice from adjacent City sidewalks within 24-72 hours of the end of the wintry precipitation. Failure to do so may incur fines and/or City snow removal charges.
Snow Buddy volunteer duty begins on snow day number 1 and ends when there is no more snow or ice (normally ends late March). Volunteers will be on-call for the duration of the program season. Assignments are generally within reasonable walking distance of the volunteer’s home. Volunteers are expected to supply their own snow shovel and broom.
While physical interaction with partnered clients should be minimal, all COVID-19 precautions and procedures apply. For added security, all volunteers must be fully vaccinated and wear a mask when talking with a resident.
According to the Virginia Department of Health, unvaccinated people are 13.3 times more likely to get a COVID-19 infection compared to those who are fully vaccinated, and are more likely to spread illness to others. A vaccinated person who tests positive for COVID-19 is likely to be less contagious and will be contagious for a shorter time than someone that is not vaccinated.