'Age in place': St. Johns nonprofit seeks donations to build wheelchair ramps for elderly
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.
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
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