Brooklyn Snow Patrol Connects Neighbors to Clear Sidewalks

Volunteer program pairs younger residents with elderly homeowners to provide snow removal assistance during winter storms.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:55pm

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A new volunteer program in Brooklyn called the Snow Patrol is helping senior homeowners safely clear snow from their sidewalks while also creating unexpected community connections across generations. The program, launched by a local councilmember's office, matches volunteers with elderly residents in need of assistance after winter storms. The initiative has drawn interest from other elected officials who are now working to expand similar youth-led shoveling programs.

Why it matters

As seniors age, shoveling snow can become an increasingly burdensome and risky task, leading some to avoid clearing their sidewalks out of fear of lawsuits or financial constraints. The Snow Patrol program addresses this issue by providing free snow removal assistance, while also fostering intergenerational relationships and a greater sense of community.

The details

The Snow Patrol program was mobilized by Andrew Wright, the chief of staff for Brooklyn Councilmember Crystal Hudson, after a constituent reached out seeking help ahead of a recent winter storm. Hudson's office put out a call for volunteers and paired them with seniors in need of assistance. Over 30 volunteers signed up to shovel for around two dozen elderly residents. One of the program's participants, 75-year-old Gail Muhammad, said the help was a "relief both financially and mentally" after years of struggling to clear her own sidewalk. Volunteer Andrew Adamietz said the experience sparked new friendships, and he plans to continue helping his elderly neighbors with future storms.

  • The Snow Patrol program was launched in response to a recent winter storm in Brooklyn.
  • Volunteers helped clear snow on Sunday and Monday following the storm.

The players

Andrew Wright

The chief of staff for Brooklyn Councilmember Crystal Hudson, who mobilized the Snow Patrol program.

Crystal Hudson

A Brooklyn councilmember whose office coordinated the Snow Patrol volunteer effort.

Gail Muhammad

A 75-year-old Crown Heights resident who received snow removal assistance from the Snow Patrol program.

Andrew Adamietz

A Clinton Hill resident who volunteered with the Snow Patrol program and formed new friendships with the elderly homeowners he helped.

Susan Zhuang

A Brooklyn councilmember who is working on legislation to create a winter youth program that would provide paid shoveling opportunities for teenagers.

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What they’re saying

“We've heard amazing stories of community building and connection. People coming inside after shoveling their neighbor's snow, you know, for soup, hot coffee and hot chocolate.”

— Crystal Hudson, Brooklyn Councilmember (CBS News)

“I've been in New York for 11 years now, and I've really been looking for more ways to actually feel like I'm in a community.”

— Andrew Adamietz (CBS News)

“We should have generation integration to help each other, for youth to help seniors clean up the sidewalk, sometimes bring food to their home.”

— Susan Zhuang, Brooklyn Councilmember (CBS News)

What’s next

Councilmember Susan Zhuang is working on legislation to create a winter youth program that would provide paid shoveling opportunities for teenagers, expanding on the community-building model of the Snow Patrol program.

The takeaway

The Snow Patrol program demonstrates how simple acts of community service can foster meaningful connections between neighbors, particularly across generational divides. By addressing the practical needs of vulnerable seniors, the initiative has sparked new friendships and a greater sense of community resilience in the face of winter storms.