Baltimore Launches Snow Corps for Neighbors in Need

When nearly a foot of snow buried Baltimore this weekend, Mayor Brandon Scott didn't just send out plows. He built an army of neighbors ready to help neighbors.

The Baltimore Snow Corps launched Sunday after the city received between 8 and 11 inches of snow and sleet. The volunteer program connects people who want to help with seniors, people with disabilities, and others who need assistance clearing sidewalks and paths.

"We are asking people to step up and pitch in to help their neighbors," Scott said. "We will assign you to help someone in your neighborhood because that's the right thing to do."

The program makes volunteering simple. Residents who need help or want to volunteer can call 311 or visit the city's website to get matched with someone nearby.

Young people looking to make a difference can earn community service hours through the program. It's a win for students who need the hours and a win for neighbors who need the support.

More than 700 city crews are working around the clock to clear major roads. But the Baltimore Snow Corps fills a critical gap by helping residents dig out driveways, sidewalks, and pathways that city plows can't reach.

The timing couldn't be better. Frigid temperatures will keep the snow and ice frozen throughout the week, making it harder for people to clear snow on their own.

The Ripple Effect

The Baltimore Snow Corps shows what's possible when cities create easy ways for people to help each other. Instead of neighbors struggling alone or feeling helpless while others need assistance, the program creates instant community connections.

The model is beautifully simple: match willing helpers with people who need help, keep it local, and make participation as easy as a phone call. Other cities watching Baltimore dig out might just grab their shovels and copy the idea.

When the next storm hits, Baltimore won't just have plows ready—it will have neighbors ready to show up for each other.