This year, the program will use Geographic Information System (GIS) software to match volunteers with homes close to them.
But, Shovel Crew spokesman Rob McDonald says how much the program can help depends on the number of volunteers.
"We do our best to fill the need. We can't promise that we will be able to, it's on a first come first serve basis. We just try to reach out and say 'please keep in mind we can only fill what we can with the volunteers we get.' We're only as good as how many volunteers we can get."
Only houses that are owned by people who are "physically and financially" unable to remove snow and ice are eligible to apply for this program. McDonald says volunteers are expected to shovel from the front door to the sidewalk, but many go above and beyond and shovel the driveways too.
"It's important the right of way's cleared and safe, there's a lot of people that don't drive, especially downtown more. And just so that it's safe for them to walk in the right of way without ice or snow accumulation, it's just safety for the most part"
Volunters are expected to provide their own shovels, but the city has a limited amount available. To sign up as a volunteer or for assistance, go to https://www.cityofdubuque.org/snowassistance.