City of Providence Partners with Groundwork RI to Coordinate Volunteer Snow Removal Efforts for Aging, Disabled and Medically Limited Neighbors
Mayor Brett P. Smiley announced today that the citywide parking ban will be lifted on Saturday, February 28 at 5:00PM. As a reminder, per city ordinance, property owners are responsible for shoveling their sidewalks to make pedestrian traffic safer and easier for residents throughout the city. Designated and posted areas that are scheduled for heavy snow removal equipment and ongoing operations will not be open for parking. Those areas will be clearly marked by no-posting signs.
“We have made significant progress to reopen Providence after what has been a challenging week for our neighbors and businesses,” said Mayor Smiley. “Our city teams have been operating 24/7 to remove snow from our neighborhoods and major corridors to ensure that our community is ready to welcome visitors from across the region to support our small businesses who have been deeply impacted by this stop.”
Additionally, the City announced a snow removal volunteer matching program, the Providence Snow Corps, for Providence neighbors physically unable to shovel their private property. In the wake of the most severe blizzard in Providence’s history, this program is aimed at providing effective relief for aging, disabled and medically limited neighbors who are unable to shovel their steps, walkways and private paths to safely reach the street.
“I am proud to have secured specialized vendors to dramatically speed recovery efforts in every neighborhood, but I know that many of our neighbors need additional supports to clear their properties so they can safely access their streets,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “Throughout this emergency our community has stepped up to lend a hand to those in need, demonstrating the spirit of Providence that makes our city so special. To make these critical volunteer efforts more sustainable and to ensure they reach every neighbor in need, the City has created the Providence Snow Corps to match volunteers to residents to give our neighbors the support they need during this crisis.”
If you or someone you know is unable to safely leave your home and need assistance shoveling snow on private property, please fill out this form: Request for Assistance Form which is available in English and Spanish Assistance depends on volunteer and partner availability and cannot be guaranteed. As a reminder, if you are experiencing a medical emergency or cannot safely remain in your home, call 911.
For individuals or organizations looking to join the Providence Snow Corps and volunteer to support neighbors with shoveling, please fill out this form: Volunteer Form in English or Spanish. The City of Providence, through its partnership with Groundwork RI, will match volunteers with a resident requesting assistance. Volunteers will be asked to contact the resident directly to coordinate. Please do not volunteer if you are under 18 or if you have a medical condition that makes snow shoveling unsafe.
Volunteers are expected to:
- Clear a safe walking path (about 3 feet wide where possible)
- Clear steps and a safe exit
- Communicate directly with the resident
Volunteers should NOT:
- Enter homes
- Transport residents
- Perform roof work
- Fully clear large driveways
- Perform work they feel is unsafe
In addition to volunteers throughout the city, partners like Amos House’s “A Hand Up” program have also stepped forward to support efforts.
The Department of Public Works will continue to clear public roads that have been impacted by this week’s historic blizzard in the days ahead. PVD311 will be open extended hours, Saturday, February 28, from 9:00AM-12:00PM. As always, in case of an emergency, dial 911. For non-emergency issues, to locate a towed vehicle or to report an abandoned vehicle ahead of the parking ban being lifted, please call 401-272-3121.
For more information, please visit the City’s website.