The Cookeville Regional Charitable Foundation has partnered with the Upper Cumberland Home Builders Association to build accessibility ramps for those in need.
Foundation Director John Bell said the program will provide ADA-compliant ramps for individuals who need improved accessibility at their homes but cannot afford the cost. Bell said the foundation regularly works with patients who struggle to safely enter and exit their homes.
“Oftentimes, we have to call EMS or other groups to assist them in exiting their home,” Bell said. “So, it’s just a wonderful resource, and fundamentally, what it does is restore a little bit of independence and dignity for those patients who are dealing with these situations.”
Bell said the program has already built two ramps this year and is looking to build more. Bell said people can qualify for the program only if they have a medical provider write a referral.
“Our referrals all have to come from a medical provider of some kind that can vouch for the patient’s condition and the situation they are dealing with,” Bell said. “And then we, in turn, once we decide we want to get involved, we will attempt to find builders, and in this case, it’s the Home Builders Association, who are willing to assist us in building those ramps, and oftentimes they are doing that as a donation, and of course, we are thrilled for that collaboration.”
Bell said the foundation will build more ramps through partnerships with local churches. Bell said the foundation is welcoming builders who want to help.
“We try to do what we can, of course, we can’t fix all of the problems, but we encourage folks to get engaged anyway that they would be able to,” Bell said. “If you happen to be a builder, through the Home Builders Association, we encourage you to talk to them about getting involved and sponsoring one of those ramps this year. If you are not, and you are certified to do such, you can give us a call, and we would love to partner with you as well.”
Bell said the ramps are funded through community donations. Bell said if anyone has questions regarding the program or would like to donate, they can call the Foundation.
