A2 Snow Match 2024-25
Snow-covered sidewalks can be hazardous for everyone. The goal is to make sidewalks accessible for all ages and abilities. The City of Ann Arbors A2 Snow Match Program pairs residents with nearby neighbors who volunteer to assist them with snow removal on their sidewalks. Recipients of the volunteer services must be City residents 55+ years of age OR self-identify as having a disability; AND do not have resources (financial such as a hired service, or family, friends, neighbor, other) nearby to assist with snow removal. Along with fostering stronger community relationship and relieving some of the stress that comes from a snowfall or freeze, the Snow Match program aims to make our sidewalks SAFER for those who are outside during the winter including postal carriers, children/students, neighbors, and citizens using public transportation.
The goal is to match volunteers with homes within a 10-minute walk from their location. Residents can register to volunteer and/or receive shoveling services beginning in late December (at the top of the form here is a pull-down menu where you will indicate if you are a renter, homeowner or volunteer). Questions? Email [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age restriction to volunteer?
Volunteers must be 18 years or older to become a Snow Match volunteer.
What if I am a volunteer but I am not able to make it to my match in a timely manner or I am out of town during a snowfall?
Please contact us as soon as possible at [email protected] and we will do our best to find a backup volunteer to cover for you in your absence.
What if my volunteer doesn't show up after a snow fall?
Your A2 Snow Match volunteer may have work, family, or personal matters that prevent them from immediately shoveling and salting your sidewalk and so you may not receive immediate help during a snowfall. Please give your volunteer a reasonable amount of time to assist you - we recommend allowing 24-hours after a snow event concludes. If your volunteer has not shown up after a reasonable amount of time, please contact us at [email protected] and we will do our best to troubleshoot and/or find you a new match.
Am I guaranteed a match as a volunteer or as a recipient?
No. We match volunteers and recipients based on location and on a first come first serve basis.
When will my volunteer provide service after a snowfall?
We ask volunteers to provide service within 24 hours of each snowfall. However, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may occasionally prevent them from meeting this timeframe. In past years, our volunteers have consistently made every effort to provide service as promptly as possible following each snowfall.
Are snow clearing supplies provided?
Recipients should not have to be home when a volunteer arrives to help and so we ask that recipients provide snow removal supplies in any easily accessible area such as outside for their volunteer to use. If you need a shovel, please contact A2 Snow Match coordinators, [email protected], and you will be provided with one.
What is the criteria to qualify to receive snow clearing assistance?
Recipients must be at least 55+ years of age or self-identify as having a disability AND do not have any of the following available: financial resources to hire a snow clearing service, family, friends, neighbors or other nearby assistance with snow removal.
What areas am I expected to clear as a volunteer?
We ask that volunteers collaborate with their recipient to come up with a plan of what areas of the recipient's property they would like cleared and what the volunteer is comfortable clearing, i.e. city sidewalk in front of property, walkways/porch etc. Snow Match aims to make sidewalks safer for those who are outside during the winter, and so any additional coverage such as home entryways will be much appreciated.
Is there a sign up deadline to volunteer or receive snow removal assistance?
No. We will accept volunteers and snow removal assistance requests until the snow stops!
What if I sign up to volunteer and can no longer assist?
No problem. Please let us know if you would like to be removed from the program at any time.
Am I able to sign up as a backup/occasional volunteer?
Yes. We sometimes need occasional volunteers to fill in for full time volunteers, please email us at [email protected] if you would like to sign up for this position.
