With the generosity of two hard-working volunteers, we build ramps for low-income families with a medical need. One of our volunteers also assists with small home repairs, e.g., installation of grab bars, repair of frozen pipes, etc. From May 2013 through September 2014 they have built twenty ramps throughout the county - in Owego, Newark Valley, Nichols, Apalachin, Spencer, Crestview Heights, Waverly, Tioga Center, Berkshire and Smithboro. Our oldest ramp recipient was a 103 year old, and still ambulatory, senior – and youngest recipient was a 4-year old suffering from arthrogryposis multiple congenital, a rare disease which prohibits his use of both arms and legs. An electric wheel chair equipped with a joystick will allow him to motor the chair by using his chin.

Ramp Requests

We build ramps throughout Tioga County for low-income individuals/families who have a medical need. We receive referrals from family members, the Department of Social Services, the Office for the Aging and other entities. We can only build ramps for those who own their own homes or if a landlord approves the addition of a ramp.

Requests are first entered on a Wish List. Workers move from request to request, based on the calendar date on which the initial request was made. A worker then visits the site to assess the need and estimate the cost for the ramp. Work ensues according to the volunteers’ time schedule.