Habitat for Humanity of Knox County is is launching a program to build wheelchair ramps to allow seniors and the disabled to stay in their homes.
The program, called Ramp Up Knox County, will offer no-interest loans for ramps, a news release said.
In order to qualify, residents must be 65 or older or have a medical conditions would make a wheelchair ramp necessary, the news release said.
"Many of our seniors and disabled individuals are living on a fixed income and are not able to afford a wheelchair ramp to not only aid if they need to use a wheelchair but to avoid the risk of falling on the stairs," the nonprofit group said. "With the COVID-19 pandemic fresh in the minds of everyone, and the higher rates of infections in assisted care facilities and nursing homes around the country, seniors being able to stay in their homes but remain active and safe is the best solution."
After being accepted into the program, Habitat will create a payment plan from one to three years. Habitat will build the ramp. The resident will then put down a 10% payment and sign a promissory note for the remaining balance, the news release said.
"Habitat’s use of skilled volunteers can make sure every ramp is built to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and at a savings for qualified homeowners who might not be able to afford it otherwise," the news release said.
For more information or to request an application, call Terry Schulz, affiliate director, at 740-324-5407 or email knoxcountyhabitat@hfhknoxoh.org.
Applications are also available on www.hfhknoxoh.org/ramp-up-knox-county and at the Habitat for Humanity of Knox County ReStore, which is open Wednesday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and Thursday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Habitat describes itself as "a Christian organization dedicated to building resilience through safe, decent and affordable housing."
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