Corner Keepers Volunteer Application

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Name *

First

Last

Email *

Home Phone

Cell Phone

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Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

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Zip Code

School Attending (if applicable)

Date of Birth *

Emergency Contact Name OR Guardian if under 18 *

First

Last

Emergency Contact Phone *

Please choose your preference on snow removal distance

Please select all that apply

I have a shovel I can use
I have a snow blower I can use
I have salt I can use
I need a shovel

Please tell us what you'd like to help with, select all that apply

I want to adopt a corner on my block to keep clean
I want to help an older adult with cleaning their sidewalk
I want to help older adults in my neighborhood with things other than snow removal

Corner Keepers Volunteer Guidelines

Corner Keepers is a volunteer based snow removal program that is being piloted in the Murray Hill Neighborhood in Milwaukee.

All ages can participate in volunteering.

Residents over the age of 60 or who have disabilities and are unable to safely shovel their snow are able to request assistance with snow removal.

All snow removal is free and done out of the generosity of our volunteers within the community! This program is an arm of Eastside Senior Services’ Neighbors Helping Neighbors program in which we encourage community members to assist older adults in their neighborhood so they can remain independent in their community and to reduce isolation and loneliness.

The goal of Corner Keepers is to keep our neighborhood accessible during the winter months so all feel safe navigating the sidewalks. This includes keeping sidewalks and the corners of each block clear of snow and ice. We are asking volunteers to adopt a corner to keep clean and/or volunteer to help keep a neighbor’s sidewalk clear who is unable to do it themselves. Corner clearing also entails keeping an eye out for when plows come through and clearing that snow as well.

If a volunteer needs supplies, free shovels are available. The volunteer can keep the shovel if committing to a corner or helping someone in the neighborhood.

City of Milwaukee Requirements and Responsiblities

The City of Milwaukee requires all property owners to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours after snow has stopped falling. After 24 hours, a property can be reported and fined $50 and a contractor will be sent to correct the violation. The contractor cost and additional fees will be assessed to the property owner. Fines increase for repeat violations.

When excessive amounts of snow (typically more than 3”) are deposited on the corners; the City will clear accumulations. This is done only after all the streets have been cleared, usually two-three days after a snowfall and it takes 72 hours to clear all of the City’s corners. Maintaining the corner and clearing anything less than three inches is the responsibility of the corner property. More information about the City’s Snow and Ice Control Operations is available online at milwaukee.gov/snow.

Volunteer Process - Corners

The volunteer will be initially assigned an intersection (four corners) to monitor. Some neighbors may be diligent in clearing snow on corners, while others are not. The volunteer will identify corners in that intersection that need snow removal.
The volunteer will let Eastside Senior Services know which corner(s) they are choosing to clean, and which corners (if any) still need a different volunteer to help with.
It will be the volunteer’s responsibility to clear the corners as it snows or as the plows come through. Eastside Senior Services will not prompt volunteers to shovel.
The volunteer will let Eastside Senior Services know if they will be away on an extended vacation or break.
Eastside Senior Services will occasionally check in, and the volunteer can contact us at any time if guidance is needed.
It is expected for the volunteer to adopt the agreed upon corners for the 23-24 winter season. The volunteer can commit to assisting the following year if they choose.

Volunteer Process - Neighborhood Homes

The volunteer will be assigned a client home. Eastside Senior Services will let the client know who the volunteer is. It is the volunteer’s responsibility to introduce themselves in person or via call/text with the client.
The volunteer will clear snow within 24 hours of a snowfall. If the volunteer is unable to do so in that timeframe or is away on a break or vacation, it is their responsibility to let the client and Eastside Senior Services know.
At minimum, the volunteer would clear the sidewalk of the client’s home. The volunteer can also decide if they would help with other areas of the property, including any walkways or a driveway.
The volunteer can use the client’s shovel/snow blower if the client allows; the volunteer could use their own; or if needed Eastside Senior Services will supply a shovel. Note that Eastside Senior Services will not be liable for any damage to equipment that the volunteer uses.
The volunteer and client will work directly together; Eastside Senior Services will not engage with either party regularly, but will only check in occasionally.
The volunteer will not ask for or accept any monetary compensation from the client. It is appropriate to accept something nominal under $5, such as cookies or hot cocoa.
Because we do not do background checks on snow removal volunteers, we ask that the volunteer not enter the client’s home.
If the client asks for services beyond snow removal, contact Eastside Senior Services.
We ask that the volunteer help the client throughout the 2023-24 winter season. The volunteer can choose to continue services again the following year if desired.
If the volunteer cannot clear the snow for the client on a particular day, it is ok to ask someone else who is not registered as a volunteer to fill in. If it becomes a regular situation, it would be ideal if that alternate person registers as a Corner Keepers Volunteer.
If the volunteer feels that the client is overly demanding beyond the scope of the project or if there are any other concerns or issues, contact Eastside Senior Services.

Acknowledgement Form

I have received and reviewed the Corner Keeper Volunteer Guidelines, and agree to follow the practices listed.

I agree to inform Eastside Senior Services (ESS) of any concerns prior to or following a service. I understand ESS cannot guarantee safety against any risk, and I understand there are inherent risks involved with participating. I agree to hold Eastside Senior Services harmless against any claims as a result of my acceptance and participation in those services, even if due to the negligence of ESS.

Signature *