(Washington, DC) – On the heels of the first wintry weather mix of the season, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships (ServeDC) are inviting residents to sign up now to join Snow Team Heroes, a citywide volunteer program that pairs community members with neighbors who need help clearing walkways and driveways after snowfall. The Snow Team Heroes initiative is part of the District’s broader winter preparedness efforts and helps ensure seniors and community members with disabilities can safely navigate driveways and walkways after winter storms.
“Winter weather can be challenging for anyone, and especially for our neighbors who are not able to clear their walkways or driveways,” said Mayor Bowser. “Snow Team Heroes embodies the spirit of neighbors helping neighbors — checking in, clearing walkways, and making sure everyone can get around safely throughout the winter season.”
Snow Team Heroes volunteers receive support, training, and, if needed, a shovel, salt, and other resources to help them serve the community. Residents can register to volunteer, receive assignments, and learn about winter readiness resources at snowteam.dc.gov. Those in need of assistance from the Snow Team can also register at snowteam.dc.gov.
“Every winter, we see the tremendous impact that simple acts of service can have,” said ServeDC Chief Service Officer and Director Dominique A. Scott. “Last year, the Volunteer Snow Program served 591 seniors across eight wards, with over 200 individuals answering the call to be Snow Team Heroes. This very program makes this impact possible at scale, and we are grateful for every Washingtonian who volunteers their time.”
To ensure residents have all the information they need before volunteering, ServeDC will be hosting two upcoming information sessions. Both sessions will provide a program overview and outline the volunteer-matching process.
December Session
• When: Thursday, December 4 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm
• Where: Virtual and in person at ServeDC Headquarters, 2235 Shannon Place SE
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/SnowTeamHeroesInfoDec25
January Session
• When: Wednesday, January 7 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm
• Where: Virtual
• RSVP: tinyurl.com/SnowTeamHeroesJanInfo
In addition to volunteering, residents are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts and help neighbors experiencing homelessness in need of shelter by calling the District’s Shelter Hotline. To request free, accessible transportation for yourself or someone else, call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 or by dialing 311. If you believe there is an immediate medical emergency, call 911. To sign up for real-time weather and safety alerts, visit alert.dc.gov.
Residents are also urged to adhere to the following cold weather safety precautions this winter:
• Cover up and limit exposed skin when you go outside.
• Check on your neighbors and learn the signs of hypothermia, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with access and functional needs who are the most vulnerable in our community.
• The District opens Hypothermia Shelters to ensure there are warm, safe places to be for anyone experiencing homelessness. For a list of shelters and other information about hypothermia season, visit cold.dc.gov.
• For all animal emergencies, including animals left outside in extreme temperatures, call the Brandywine Valley SPCA at 202-888-PETS.
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