A new volunteer snow removal program aims to help Indianapolis residents in need

Snow Buddies Indy, a new snow removal program from the Indianapolis Department of Public Works, pairs Indianapolis residents in need of help with volunteers.

Elderly residents and people with disabilities who live in the Marion County area and can’t clear snow from their sidewalks can qualify for a Snow Buddy. People living inside city limits may be more likely to pair with a volunteer who lives nearby.

Divine Triplett, a spokesperson for DPW, said the program is meant to help people in need, such as those who don’t have the financial means to hire a snow plowing service or a community of people who can come help out. 

The department will attempt to pair buddies with a resident nearby, unless they’re willing to travel further. Buddies are expected to clear snow on sidewalks and leading up to doors, including any external stairs, within 24 hours after a snowfall. 

They don’t have to help with additional areas — such as driveways or around garbage cans — unless they want to.

“If you have a lot more equipment, that is an option, to become a Superhero Snow Buddy, so that you can help clear a lot more properties and help a lot more residents in the city, which is super helpful,” said Triplett.

“Superhero Snow Buddies” could have snow clearing equipment like a truck or a snowplow and a willingness to help more than one resident or area, but that’s not a requirement to participate.

The program was inspired by Bloomington’s Snow Buddies program and launched earlier this month.

So far, 75 people have requested a Snow Buddy, 74 people have volunteered, and 51 residents in need have been paired with a volunteer, according to Triplett.

To request a buddy or volunteer, visit the city’s Snow Buddies page.

Contact WFYI reporter Zak Cassel at zcassel@wfyi.org.