LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Snow and ice have blanketed neighborhoods across the region, turning streets into virtual obstacle courses and leaving many residents stranded.

For 78-year-old John Hardin, clearing a path from his south end home has become a daily challenge.

"I started on it yesterday and I pace myself," Hardin said, chipping away at the ice in his driveway early Tuesday morning.

Hardin said plows don't service his neighborhood.

"In this neighborhood, we don't expect it," he said.

With his son needing to get to work, Hardin was determined to create an escape route while taking care not to overexert himself. And his struggle is familiar to many in neighborhoods where snow and ice have made roads impassable. The city focuses its resources on public roadways, leaving private driveways and sidewalks the responsibility of homeowners.

In response to these challenges, Jonathan Dunn of the Rough Cut and Stir Crazy Jeep clubs partnered with the nonprofit Shirley's Way and Metro Councilwoman Crystal Bast to help their neighbors.

"We wanted to help people," Dunn said Tuesday. "That was our goal."

The Jeep clubs used their off-road vehicles to navigate icy streets, providing transportation for first responders and patients needing to get to medical appointments.

"We wanted to get first responders to the hospital, because they're a priority," Dunn said. "We also wanted to get patients to their doctor's appointments."

Dunn's wife, Jamie, set up a make-shift dispatch center in their home. And their efforts extended beyond hospital runs. Norton Healthcare reached out to the group for assistance transporting staff.

"Norton stepped in and was reaching out," Dunn said. "We did a lot of runs for Norton."

The Jeep clubs also helped a senior center whose staff couldn't get to work. Mark's Feed Store on Dixie Highway contributed by preparing meals for the center's residents.

"Ann from Mark's Feed Store contacted us and said, 'I can't get out, but if someone can pick me up and give me two hours, I can have the food ready,'" said Mike Mulrooney of Shirley's Way.

The Jeep clubs not only transported the cooks but delivered enough food to feed 70 people at the senior center. In total, the clubs completed over 100 runs, helping stranded residents, ensuring hospitals stayed fully staffed, and feeding those in need.

Bast commended the community's efforts.

"I absolutely love the way people come together in the midst of a storm and become family and friends," she said.

And Hardin remains optimistic that relief is on the way.

"We'll get out of here," he said with a smile.

Metro Public Works said its priority remains primary roadways, while private driveways and sidewalks remain the responsibility of property owners.

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