Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity seeks ramp donations

Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity is seeking metal wheelchair ramp donations for its recently introduced Ramp Donation Program. 

The ramps will be loaned to homeowners needing accessible access into their homes. When a family no longer requires the ramp, it will be picked up by the organization and will be loaned to another family in need. 

The Ramp Donation Program will be helpful for those with existing accessibility issues, temporary injury, or checking out of rehabilitation facilities.

Executive Director Christine Lacourse said, “Ramps are surprisingly expensive, often needed on short notice, and frequently are needed only temporarily. Our ramp program can give homeowners the accessibility that is needed to keep their independence and remain in their homes.”

 According to Lacourse, “When we installed a ramp for one housebound woman this past year, she was so excited that she raced down the ramp in her wheelchair calling out, ‘I’m free! I’m free!’  Her first trip was to get an ice cream cone.”

The organization is currently both looking for ramps to add to their inventory and for applicants in need of a ramp. It collaborates with other nonprofits in the region, including the Councils of Aging, Coastal Neighbors Network and the Association for Relief of Aged Women.

In addition to providing ramps, the organization’s Brush with Kindness Program also helps low-income individuals and families with critical home exteriors, such as painting, minor exterior repairs, wheelchair ramps, weatherization, and exterior clean-up as well as other Aging-in-Place renovations. 

The organization can often keep repair costs to a minimum due to discounted materials and volunteer labor and may even provide the family with a no-interest loan to cover the expenses.

Since Habitat for Humanity is a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization, ramp donations are tax deductible per IRS code. In addition to tax deductions, donors benefit from the removal of unwanted ramps and can feel good about helping families in need of housing.

For more information on donating or requesting ramps, email Christine Lacourse at BuzzardsBayAreaHabitat@yahoo.com, or call 508-758-4517.