ST. PAUL – Winter is here. So is also the constant shoveling of citizens on their sidewalks in the Town of St. Paul. Not only for safety, but it is also mandated that the public clear their sidewalks within 48 hours of snowfall.
But not everybody can do so. There are members in the community facing challenges in clearing their sidewalks, such as seniors with mobility issues, or individuals recovering from illnesses, for example.
The St. Paul Regional Family Community Support Services (FCSS) has an annual program – the Snow Angels program – to help individuals facing snow difficulties.
Spotting the distinctive blue and white Snow Angels sign on a property serves as a community request for assistance, according to FCSS director Lynn Smid.
“It allows those vulnerable in our community – who are struggling – to shovel their sidewalks... opportunity to put forward that they need some assistance from the community,” said Smid.
It’s also an opportunity for community members to help if they see the sign, helping protect seniors and the vulnerable from slips and falls. “It can be so dangerous this time of year when walkways aren’t cleared,” Smid said, explaining the program is only as successful as the community wants it to be.
Residents in need of a Snow Angel sign can obtain one at the St. Paul Regional FCSS office located at 5002-51 Ave.
Smid said that while people can register as Snow Angels volunteers at the FCSS office, anybody in the community can pick up a shovel and help someone with their walkway.
“So, if you see the sign on your block, and you’re like, ‘I’m going to go give that person a hand and shovel their sidewalk’ – that’s what we’re hoping for,” said Smid
Financial Support for Seniors aging in place
In addition to the Snow Angels program, sometimes, there is a need to hire a business to clean the sidewalks of seniors.
This is funded via the FCSS’s “Financial Support for Seniors aging in place” project, and in part by the federal government’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. A temporary assistance program to help seniors with yard work, housekeeping, snow removal, bills, and other expenses that would keep seniors in their homes, according to Smid.
Seniors living in a single detached home and with a single income between $31,081 and $36,081, or seniors with a dual income between $50,721 and $55,721, can reach out to the FCSS at 780-645-5311, or visit their office.
Asked of how much seniors can receive through the program, Smid said the FCSS assesses on a case-by-case basis, but seniors normally receive around $600.
The program is available until the end of March. “If seniors want to take advantage of that. It’s important that they get a hold of us as soon as they can,” said Smid.
