Evanston Reopens Snow Shoveling Program For Older Adults, Residents With Disabilities

EVANSTON, IL — The City of Evanston is again offering its snow shoveling program this winter, connecting older adult residents and people with disabilities with volunteers who will shovel snow.

Residents who want help and people who want to volunteer can sign up on the city's website. The city's program is expanding this year to offer two volunteer opportunities, and participants may sign up for either role or choose both.

Under the program, Evanston residents who request snow-shoveling assistance will receive a list of available volunteers in their area. Residents are responsible for contacting volunteers from the provided list and scheduling their services.

Volunteers are responsible for completing the work or notifying the resident if they are unable to complete the work.

The city said the program is a free service and that there should be no exchange of money or goods. Older adults or persons with disabilities can register by calling or texting 847-448-4311 or by completing the Request for Snow Shoveling Assistance Form.

The second volunteer role focuses on maintaining accessible pathways and shared spaces. According to the city, the last couple of winters brought an increasing number of ADA concerns related to snow pile-ups in access aisles of accessible parking spaces, around curb cuts and across intersection platforms throughout Evanston.

Those conditions can block access for individuals with disabilities. The city's ADA Coordinator will communicate directly with volunteers about opportunities and assignments within that role.

People willing to volunteer their time can fill out the Snow Shoveler Volunteer Intake Form or call or text 847-448-4311.