CASSOPOLIS — The Cass County Council on Aging recently announced that its “Handy Helpers” have built 50 wheelchair ramps in Cass County since 2008.
All ramps were built by volunteers and were provided free of charge to older adults who needed them.
The volunteers build ramps and create the plans for each home according to building codes. They also coordinate with homeowners on other details.
Most ramps are built in a day.
The cost of building ramps was defrayed in part by a $10,000 grant from the Pokagon Fund, personal donations and by discounts provided by Judd Lumber in Dowagiac.
Judd Lumber also donated custom-made shirts for the volunteers so that they could be easily identified by the homeowners.
The ramp-building program is part of the COA Handy Helpers program, which provides minor home repairs to older adults to help make their homes safer.
The ramps are the only major projects the group does.
To volunteer, donate to the program or request assistance from Handy Helpers, call the Council on Aging at (269) 445-8110.