The St. Johns Housing Partnership is seeking public help to quickly build eight wheelchair ramps for elderly residents who cannot afford the needed home addition.
The St. Augustine-based nonprofit needs funding, volunteers and materials to build Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant exterior ramps, which can cost as much as $3,000 each, Executive Director Bill Lazar said.
“No one should be forced to remain homebound — or worse, moved to a long-term care facility — simply because they can’t safely exit their home,” he said.
Volunteers build an addition to a home for the nonprofit St. Johns Housing Partnership, which serves low-income households.
Among the eight people who need the ramps are an elderly woman and recent amputee, a retired couple with multiple health issues, a disabled Army veteran who served in Operation Desert Storm and a stroke-victim who has no leg mobility, the partnership said.
Founded in 1998, the partnership serves low-income households, primarily in St. Johns County, but also Clay and Putnam. To donate or get more information, go to sjhp.org.
bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: St. Johns nonprofit building ramps to help elderly remain at home
