The change will ensure that the most vulnerable can attain access to the program
(Lindenwold, NJ) – The Camden County Department of Public Safety is recalibrating the senior shoveling program service to assist the most vulnerable populations in Camden County. Based on a substantial increase in demand and limited resources, the department is shifting its focus to creating access to the residences of individuals aged 65+ who receive dialysis, chemotherapy, or other medical maladies that require them to leave their residence for treatment or need a pathway created into their homes for at-home treatment.
“Based on the surge of phone calls, we are taking prudent steps to help the residents who are most in need of this service that we offer in coordination with the Camden County Department of Corrections. It is imperative for us to reach the most vulnerable, and the way the program is set up currently will not allow us to do that,” said Vincent Jackson, Director of the Department of Public Safety. “We are still asking our residents to explore alternate options of snow removal, like asking a neighbor or family member for help. This program is not meant to replace normal means of snow clearing, and should be treated as a last resort”
The Senior Snow Removal Hotline will be open for 24 hours following a minimum of four inches of snow accumulation. To be added to the list, residents can call (856)-783-4808 ext. 5035 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Calls to other extensions/emails will not be answered. When leaving a voicemail during unstaffed hours, residents must include their full name, home address, age, and a call-back number, and they will receive a call-back during staffed hours to confirm eligibility.
Eligibility requirements:
- Must be at least age 65 and/or physically disabled
- Must have a specified medical condition that necessitates leaving the residence
- Must have a specified medical condition that necessitates a walkway be shoveled
- Must be the homeowner of the residence
- Must be a resident of Camden County
- Must not have a physically abled person or person under the age of 65 living in the same residence
- Must have exhausted other attempts of receiving snow removal services
“Once snowfall has completely stopped, crews will begin working during the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,” continued Jackson. “Crews will only shovel the sidewalk and accessibility ramps in the front of the residence; they will not shovel driveways, remove snow from vehicles, or salt walkways.”
Snow removal is based upon location, not in the order that call is received. There is no guaranteed timeframe when the crews will arrive at a residence; it may take several days depending on call volume, number of crews, and the amount of snow accumulation. In some cases, crews may not be able to respond to every residence. Commercial properties, rental properties, or HOAs are not eligible for this program.
Qualified residents must call to request service after each snowfall of at least four inches. Requests do not carry over from one snow event to the next, and residents may not pre-request placement on the snow removal list ahead of a snow event.
Weather updates will be available at www.camdencounty.com