As winter settles in Loveland, the city’s Snow Squad Program is facing a challenge: a shortage of volunteers. The program, which assists residents unable to shovel snow themselves, has closed its waitlist due to insufficient volunteer support. Currently, about 15 residents are waiting to be matched with volunteers, according to Brianne Totman, who recently assumed the role of volunteer coordinator following Sarah Wahrer‘s departure.
“Obviously, if that changes and we get some more volunteers, we would reopen it,” Totman stated. “It’s just not going to be helpful to have people sit on a waitlist when we don’t have the volunteers to do it.”
The Snow Squad Program receives over 130 applications annually, primarily from residents who are physically unable to manage snow removal and cannot afford commercial services. Under city regulations, residents must clear sidewalks within 24 hours following a snowfall. The program aims to ensure safe access to homes, especially for elderly and disabled individuals.
Currently, the program has 56 active volunteers serving 117 homes, with many volunteers managing multiple properties. “A lot of these volunteers are taking on three to four homes,” Totman noted. She expressed hope that additional volunteers will join, preventing existing members from becoming overextended.
Volunteer Elizabeth Falkenberg highlighted the manageable time commitment associated with the program. She has been matched with residents living within a mile of her home each season, ensuring her travel time remains minimal. “We need more people to know about it,” Falkenberg said. “It really helps people out.”
Community members interested in volunteering can complete an online application, which includes a background check. The application is available at the Snow Squad’s official website. Increasing volunteer participation is essential for the program to continue meeting the demands of Loveland residents during the winter months.
