City to Begin Accepting Snow Buddies Applications

The City of Cedar Rapids will begin accepting need-based applications for its Snow Buddies snow removal program on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 8 a.m. The Snow Buddies program pairs residents in need of assistance with volunteers who help clear sidewalks of snow and ice accumulations in the winter. The program is intended to benefit residents who are not physically able to remove snow from their sidewalks and do not have other snow-removal resources, such as neighbors, friends or family or a hired service. The Snow Buddies program has limited capacity and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. 

In recent weeks, the City has asked for Snow Heroes volunteers who want to help their neighbors in need this winter, and more volunteers are needed. Snow Hero volunteers can continue signing up on the City website at CityofCR.com/SnowBuddies. Snow Heroes must be at least 18 years old and provide their own snow-removal equipment. Snow Heroes will be paired with residents based on factors such as location and availability; they will not be allowed to solicit or accept money, tips or gifts for their volunteer activities. The number of volunteers identified will ultimately determine the number of Snow Buddy pairings that can be made through the program.

On Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 8 a.m., residents who meet program qualifications will be allowed to sign up to request assistance for sidewalk snow removal on the City website at CityofCR.com/SnowBuddies or by calling City Solid Waste & Recycling Customer Service at 319-286-5897. To qualify for assistance, individuals must reside in Cedar Rapids, have property with a sidewalk, be 65 years or older and/or have a mobility impairment, and qualify under the income guidelines. For income eligibility, a single-person household can earn up to $31,300 per year, and a two-person household can earn up to $35,800 per year.

“We know how important it is for the community to be able to use safe, accessible sidewalks no matter the time of year,” said Stephanie Schrader, Community Service Coordinator for the City of Cedar Rapids. “Snow Buddies is intended for those in our community who might not have access to the resources they need to clear their sidewalks in a timely manner after it snows. We’ve already heard from several residents who are interested in this service. We wanted to make sure everybody knows when the application window will be open.”