Pittsburgh calls on community shovelers for its Snow Angels program

Pittsburgh officials are asking residents to volunteer to help seniors and disabled neighbors shovel and salt their sidewalks this winter.

The city’s Snow Angels program pairs volunteers with neighbors who need help clearing their sidewalks after snowstorms.

People can volunteer or sign up to receive help online or by calling 311. Residents who need assistance can also reach out to the program directly at 412-255-2621 or snowangels@pittsburghpa.gov.

“The Snow Angels program is a vital service that helps some of our most vulnerable residents continue to live in their homes,” Mayor Ed Gainey said in a statement on Thursday.

Data from prior years shows neighborhoods most in need of additional volunteers include Allentown, Banksville, Beechview, Beltzhoover, Brighton Heights, Brookline, Carrick, Elliott, Greenfield, Homewood, Hill District, Perry South and Sheraden.

Bloomfield last year had more volunteers than any other city neighborhood.

The program helps to fosters stronger community relationships, helps neighbors in need and makes sidewalks safer for people who are often outside during inclement weather, like postal carriers, firefighters and police officers, city leaders said.

“Our city is known for its kind and generous people, and I am so thankful to the youth groups, sports teams, and community organizations that have already answered the call to become a Snow Angel,” Gainey said.