Snow Buddy Program

The Snow Buddy Program connects volunteers with residents who are unable to clear snow on their own, including low-income (below $50,000) residents, homebound, or disabled neighbors, 60 years and older.

Snow buddies provide a critical service to these residents who may need to leave their homes for medical and other essential appointments or rely on healthcare workers for deliveries. Our Snow Buddy volunteers also help eligible property owners who are required to clear snow within 1 to 3 days after a heavy storm to avoid fines.

We ask Snow Buddy Volunteers to be on call starting the day after the first snowfall of the season through the spring of the next year. Volunteers are generally matched with residents within reasonable walking distance and expected to supply their snow shovels and brooms. Salt will be provided. 

If you’re interested in serving your neighbors, register here.

If you’d like to request assistance because you live in the City of Alexandria, are below $50K annual household income, and are not able to shovel snow (elderly and/or disabled or homebound), you can register here.

Our program is designed to accommodate volunteers and respect our residents. We ask residents not to request any other services from the volunteer, not to pay the volunteer, and not to ask them to come into the home. We’ll train volunteers and match them with a household within walking distance.

We’ll instruct volunteers to:

• Call the residents before a snowfall to introduce yourself

• Never enter the resident’s home

• Never accept money

• Report back to Volunteer Alexandria after shoveling

• Serve the same resident the entire winter season

For questions, please email us or call 703-836-2176. For general information about Alexandria Snow procedures, visit https://www.alexandriava.gov/Snow.

What do our residents say?

“I’m 92, and I was so scared about how I would get out. You are like angels.” 

“I called to tell you what a great job your volunteer did shoveling the snow from my house. He came on Monday and promised to come back on Tuesday. He kept his promise and came back on Tuesday and helped some more. I just wanted to call and let you know how grateful I am to your volunteer and your Snow Buddy Program.”

One lady was very appreciative and said, "I am so glad that there are people still kind enough to do this for people like me!" 

“I’m grateful it was you all who came to my rescue. The people who dug me out couldn’t have been nicer. Snow Buddies is a wonderful organization, and I am lucky it was there when I needed it.” Kit, Snow Buddy recipient

"I’m the lucky lady that you sent Alexis to come to my home yesterday. I just had to call and say how grateful I am. What a wonderful job. And the driveway looks great. I feel so blessed, and I just want you all to know she’s a wonderful volunteer, and I’m very, very, very appreciative of the help I got. Thank you so much – I'm now able to get to the hospital. And I will say it more than you can possibly know."

The Snow Buddy Program is partially funded by the Alexandria Rotary Club, the Burke & Herbert Foundation, and Alexandria Women for Good, in cooperation with the City of Alexandria.