Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity (BBAHFH) is seeking metal wheelchair ramp donations for Ramp Donation Program. According to Executive Director Christine Lacourse, “There is a growing need in our area of people that need wheelchair ramps but cannot afford them. Our Ramp Donation program is making such a difference in people’s lives that need our help. We are working with families who do not have safe access to come back to their homes or leave for doctor appointments. They appreciate having their freedom back.”
BBAHFH has installed eleven ramps over the last eight months for several elderly and disabled individuals. As one recipient enthused after receiving a new ramp, “It is perfect. Perfect. I can get to the ramp by myself which opens everything for me as far as transportation goes. I am more independent.” The daughter of another ramp recipient who was able to leave a nursing home due to the BBAHFH ramp remarked, “The first day I brought her home, she lit up like a kid in a candy store.”
Another recipient able to walk, but not safely walk down her front steps, remarked, “I can walk down the ramp and go outside by myself. I enjoy it so much. The new ramp has made it so much better, and I can’t believe how much easier it is to walk. I am almost speechless about the change it made for me.”
BBAHH formally introduced the Ramp Donation program to give low-income homeowners the accessibility they needed to remain safely in their homes. Through ramp donations and purchases, BBAHFH has built an inventory available that can be loaned out and installed by volunteers when needed by a family. Typically, ramps are installed at no cost to the family due to grant funding like the one received through the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection which has in part funded the project.
Ramps are expensive, often needed on short notice, and frequently needed only temporarily. When a family no longer requires the ramp, it is picked up by BBAHFH and then loaned to another low-income family in need. The Ramp Donation program helps those with existing accessibility issues, temporary injuries, or those who are checking out of a rehabilitation facility. BBAHFH is running this program throughout Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Rochester, Wareham, and Westport.
BBAHFH is currently looking for ramps to keep up with the demand to help additional families and applicants that are low-income and in need of a ramp. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, ramp donations are tax deductible per the IRS code. In addition, donors benefit from the removal of unwanted ramps and can feel good about helping another in need.
To raise money to support its programs, BBAHFH is hosting a premier fundraising event “Building Hope, Building Futures” at the New Bedford Whaling Museum on May 1st featuring hors d’oeuvres, desserts, a signature cocktail the “Blueprint”, live music, and silent auction. Tickets are $100 in advance and may be purchased at www.BuzzardsBayHabitat.org or by sending a check to BBAHFH, P.O. Box 1584, Mattapoisett, MA 02739.
For more information on the fundraiser or Ramp Donation program, email Christine Lacourse at BuzzardsBayAreaHabitat@yahoo.com, or call 508-758-4517.