Guest editorial … ‘Good Neighbor’ program gears up for winter help

By Lynn Blasey and Max Gilginas
The Every Neighbor program had a wonderful summer, and we are gearing up for a winter of service.
The threat of snow lingers in the air, and it’s time to start planning! The Every Neighbor program will again be shoveling snow and salting paths for our senior and disabled neighbors. We have had great success with this program in the past, and hope to expand further this season.
To receive help with snow:
If you are a resident of Hamtramck, are over 70 or disabled, and unable to hire help or have family help, we will help you! Contact mgilginas@hamtramckcity.gov, everyneighborhamtramck@gmail.com, or call 313-800-5233, extension 326.
Leave a message and we will get back with you as soon as possible. Live intake will be available on Wednesdays from 10am -11am and 1pm-2pm. We will also staff phones and complete intake during snowstorms.
To help others with snow:
To accomplish all of this, we need anyone willing to brave the cold to help their neighbors by shoveling their porches, steps, and sidewalks. We will have direct matches for those who prefer to work on their own time, as well as a storm team who will tackle all unmatched houses and last minute situations on snow days.
We provide shovels and pet safe salt as well as places for volunteers to warm up, get together, and relax.
To help others help others:
Businesses, if you are willing to provide a place for our volunteers to get warm and use your facilities, we would be very grateful. If you are a community member that cannot shovel, but wants to pitch in, our volunteers can always use food and warm drinks, winter gear, and pet safe salt.
Thank you. We believe every neighbor is a valuable member of our community and are grateful for your participation.
Posted Dec. 6, 2024