Need an access ramp in Gloucester County? Habitat For Humanity can help
Student volunteers help build a Habitat For Humanity House in this 2015 file photo. (Tim Hawk | For NJ.com)
Andy Polhamus | For NJ.com By Andy Polhamus | For NJ.com
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on June 02, 2015 at 7:00 PM, updated June 02, 2015 at 7:02 PM
Officials from Gloucester County Habitat For Humanity have announced a new program to help residents in need get Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant ramps built at their homes. The program combines the efforts of GCHFH with those of the county freeholder board and two local businesses.
The initiative is the result of a conversation between GCHFH and the county about residents in need not of a home, but simply improved mobility in and out of their own front doors.
“The ability to help keep a family together through the act of building an access ramp seems like a simple task, but the cost and coordination can be prohibitive,” said Jim Jefferson, the county freeholder who serves as liaison to disability services, in a prepared statement. “Gloucester County is proud to join with our community partners to help make ADA ramps a reality for our residents.”
The Gloucester County Housing and Community Development Office will identify homes in need of ADA-compliant ramps. Then, Habitat For Humanity will work with Cipriani Remodeling Solutions and Home Depot to draw up plans, schedule volunteers and gather materials for each project. The county plans to obtain funding for the ramps by way of the federal Community Development Block Grant Program.
“These ramps can be costly but they can also change lives, and let people stay in their homes and live independently,” said Gloucester County Freeholder Heather Simmons in an announcement from HFH and county officials. Simmons is the liaison to the Division of Planning/Housing and Community Development.
Officials expect that the program will build between 15 and 20 ramps for year, although special projects may be added to the schedule to accommodate veterans in need.
Anyone who needs assistance getting a ramp installed is encouraged to call the Gloucester County Planning Division, Office of Housing and Community Development at (856) 307-6664 or Habitat For Humanity at (856) 256-9400.
Andy Polhamus may be reached at apolhamus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ajpolhamus. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
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