Baltimore Residents Volunteer to Clear Snow and Ice for Free

Mayor's call for help brings community together to assist vulnerable neighbors

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:23pm

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In the aftermath of a major winter storm, Baltimore's mayor asked for volunteers to help clear snow and ice from sidewalks across the city. Residents, including middle and high school students, have answered the call, forming the Baltimore City Snow Corps to shovel walkways free of charge for older adults, people with disabilities, and others unable to clear the snow themselves. The volunteers work in shifts, removing snow from over 60 homes and 80 cars so far, with the goal of helping their neighbors and bringing the community together.

Why it matters

Baltimore is known for its harsh winters, and this latest storm left many sidewalks impassable, posing risks for vulnerable residents. The mayor's call to action and the community's response highlight the importance of neighbors helping neighbors, especially during difficult times. The volunteer effort also provides valuable service hours for students and a sense of civic pride for all involved.

The details

The Baltimore City Snow Corps is made up of volunteers armed with shovels who clear sidewalks and walkways for free. They work in 12-hour shifts, removing snow from an estimated 60 homes and 80 cars so far. The volunteers say the work is tedious but rewarding, with one describing it as a "fun job" that he encourages others to join. The program started after the mayor posted a video on Instagram asking residents to help their neighbors by shoveling snow.

  • The snow and ice storm hit Baltimore on Sunday, January 29, 2026.
  • Mayor Brandon Scott posted the call for volunteers on Instagram shortly after the storm.

The players

Mayor Brandon Scott

The mayor of Baltimore who called for volunteers to help clear snow and ice from sidewalks across the city.

Baltimore City Snow Corps

A group of volunteers, including middle and high school students, who have answered the mayor's call to shovel snow and ice from sidewalks free of charge for vulnerable residents.

Joel 'Tink' Rodgers-Turner

A volunteer with the Baltimore City Snow Corps who says the work is "very tedious" but that he has "fun doing it."

Martrell Marshall

Another volunteer with the Baltimore City Snow Corps who describes the snow and ice as "a mess" that requires "really digging it up and taking your time."

Jordan 'Cue Reckless' Carter

A volunteer who encourages others to join the effort, saying "When you bring people help, they may help someone else. It's better when we all come together and get it done."

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What they’re saying

“We are asking for people to help their neighbor. We want volunteers to help shovel out their neighbors across the city of Baltimore.”

— Mayor Brandon Scott

“Mayor Brandon Scott. Big encouragement to come outside to help Baltimore City.”

— Jordan 'Cue Reckless' Carter, Volunteer

“When you bring people help, they may help someone else. It's better when we all come together and get it done. It's going to get done a lot faster.”

— Jordan 'Cue Reckless' Carter, Volunteer

“We do it quick, like 15 minutes. We'll be in and out. It's really fun. It's a fun job. I encourage everybody to volunteer and do it, too.”

— Donta 'Donn3y Don' Crosby, Volunteer

“I'm not going to lie. It's very tedious. I (have fun) doing it.”

— Joel 'Tink' Rodgers-Turner, Volunteer

What’s next

The Baltimore City Snow Corps plans to continue their volunteer efforts throughout the winter, responding to calls for assistance from vulnerable residents and working to clear sidewalks across the city.

The takeaway

The Baltimore community's response to the mayor's call for snow shoveling volunteers demonstrates the power of neighbors helping neighbors, especially during challenging winter weather. The volunteer effort not only provides a valuable service to those in need, but also fosters a sense of civic pride and community togetherness that can inspire others to lend a hand.