DUBUQUE, Iowa — November 9, 2026 — With snow season almost here, the City of Dubuque is looking for volunteers for the DBQ Shovel Crew, the volunteer program that pairs people willing to shovel with residents who cannot clear their own sidewalks.

The commitment is simple: take care of a particular address — or addresses — throughout the winter season, clearing snow and ice from the city sidewalk after storms. Volunteers are asked to provide their own snow-removal equipment if possible.

“We are all pedestrians at some point in the day, whether walking to a car, the bus, to work, or just in your neighborhood,” the city says. “Your help in keeping sidewalks clear after snow and ice events is a meaningful way to help neighbors in need and the community!”

Who the program helps

The DBQ Shovel Crew serves Dubuque residents who are physically and financially unable to remove snow and ice from the city sidewalk next to their property and who do not have other resources to clear it, such as neighbors, friends, or a hired service. Seniors and people with mobility challenges may qualify.

To be considered, applicants must live in Dubuque and meet all three of these requirements:

1. The property must be owner-occupied.
2. The resident must be physically unable to remove snow and ice from the sidewalks.
3. The household must meet the income guidelines — for example, $37,250 a year for a one-person household, $42,550 for two, $47,850 for three, and $53,150 for four. The limit rises with household size, up to $70,200 for a household of eight.

The program has limited capacity and runs on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of volunteers who sign up ultimately decides how many pairings the program can make — so the more volunteers, the more neighbors get help.

How to sign up

To volunteer, fill out the sign-up form here: https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/e52eada8f43047e181daee67e29e6961

More information about the program is available at cityofdubuque.org/snowassistance.

Residents who need help shoveling this winter — or who would like a paper application mailed to them — can contact Community Service & Outreach Coordinator Brittney Hayes at 563-258-3621.

Sources

• City of Dubuque, Sidewalk Snow Removal Assistance Program (cityofdubuque.org/snowassistance)
• City of Dubuque, DBQ Shovel Crew volunteer sign-up form