City of Baltimore Seeks Volunteers to Assist with Residents’ Snow/Ice Removal
Dear UMB Community,
This past week, Baltimore was hit with a significant snowstorm and historically cold temperatures, causing the snow that fell to freeze over. While this extreme winter weather has impacted those of us who live in Maryland, the Mid-Atlantic, and nearly anywhere on the East Coast, it has had a particularly severe impact on our most vulnerable populations.
Earlier today, the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office asked that we call upon members of our University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) community who are willing and able to support Baltimore Snow Corps this weekend. This pilot volunteer program helps connect city residents who need assistance clearing snow and ice from sidewalks with neighbors who are willing to help. The city has received about 2,700 service calls from individuals in urgent need of assistance with snow removal. In many instances, these individuals are snowed in and unable to leave their homes.
This program is designed to support seniors, people with disabilities, and others who might have difficulty safely clearing sidewalks during snowstorms. It relies on community volunteers and does not replace city snow operations that will remain focused on streets.
If you live in or near Baltimore City and you would like to help this effort, the Mayor’s Office asks that you call 311, use the 311 web portal, or use the Balt311 app to sign up as a Snow Corps volunteer.
A small team operating out of the city’s Emergency Operations Center will monitor volunteer submissions and attempt to match volunteers with residents nearby who need assistance in digging out from the storm.
Please note: This is a pilot program of the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office and it is not affiliated with UMB. Your participation will help the city evaluate whether this model should be continued for future storms. Volunteers participate at their own discretion and risk. Neither UMB nor the city of Baltimore assumes responsibility for injuries, property damage, or incidents that might occur while volunteering.
Here at UMB, we are proud to call Baltimore home. I thank each and every one of you who has already volunteered to help your neighbors during this uniquely challenging week, and I extend my gratitude to all who volunteer to support Baltimore Snow Corps.
Sincerely,
Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS
President
