CITY MANAGER’S REPORT

Week ending January 2, 2015

Safe Winter Walkways Program Update

The City of Lawrence and Douglas County Senior Services partner each winter to provide the Safe Winter Walkways program for elderly or disabled individuals who need assistance shoveling public sidewalks when snowfall accumulates during the winter.  The deadline for participants (those needing assistance) closed on Nov. 21.  This year, we have an 82% match-up rate for participants and volunteers.  This is a very good rate compared to previous years.  81 clients have asked for assistance, 67 clients have been matched with volunteers.  Fourteen clients are still in need of a volunteer.  There are a total of 53 volunteers assisting the program this year with numerous volunteers taking more than one residence as a responsibility.  Eleven volunteers are members of the Lawrence Police Department (and they have taken responsibility for 15 clients).

All clients have been called and are aware of whether or not we have found a volunteer to assist them this winter. DCSS and the city are continuing to seek volunteers to assist the remaining 14 clients in need of assistance. The area of need is primarily in the southeast section of Lawrence.

The city promoted the need for volunteers heavily through Facebook and Twitter which we believed help increase the volunteer participation.