BOSTON (10 January 2018) - Newly-inaugurated Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards announced a district-wide initiative aimed to serve our most vulnerable neighbors during the winter months and connect residents through community service.
The “Snow Angels” program will connect elderly and disabled residents unable to shovel in front of their homes to on-call, neighborhood volunteers ready to alleviate the burden shoveling can impose.
“If Thursday’s snowstorm is any indication, there are many people in our neighborhoods who need assistance beyond what the City can provide for them. The beautiful thing about our district is that there are good-hearted individuals ready and willing to step up to the plate and help,” said Councilor Edwards. “The Snow Angels program will aim to coordinate and connect both communities.”
Councilor Edwards outlined that, depending on the amount of the volunteers, the program hopes to match neighbors in need to a Snow Angel within 500 feet of their home during each snowstorm.
Edwards noted that she’s received the support of District One’s delegation such as Rep. Adrian Madaro of East Boston, Rep. Aaron Michlewitz of the North End, and Rep. Daniel Ryan of Charlestown. She is also actively looking for community sponsors to cover costs of shovels, snow melt, etc.
What else does Councilor Edwards hope to achieve besides clear sidewalks?
“Community connection,” Edwards said. “I hope that this will provide a vehicle for residents to engage and invest in their neighborhood but also cultivate long-lasting relationships between neighbors for generations to come.”
Snow Angels must be 18-years-old and up, reside in the district, and are volunteering at their own risk.
In order to be eligible for the service, you or someone you know must be an elderly or disabled resident of Charlestown, East Boston, or the North End. Snow Angel services are for residential properties only.
To sign-up for the service or to become a Snow Angel, please call (617) 635-3200 or e-mail gabriela.coletta@boston.gov with your name, age, address, and telephone number.
Source: Office of City Councilor Lydia Edwards
