Ramp Up Program
Serving customers in Barry, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren Counties.
The Ramp Up program at Disability Network Southwest Michigan helps people connect to resources for constructing ramps on private residences. Ramps provide greater independence and safety for people with mobility disabilities and allow them to remain living at home. The Ramp Up program works with funders and coordinates builders and volunteer organizations to provide ramps for those in need throughout Southwest Michigan.
Contact Hank Bostic at (269) 345-1516 x113 for more information about this program and options that may be available for you.
Volunteer to Help
Most of our ramps are constructed by volunteers from the community accompanied by a licensed contractor. If you, or an organization you are connected with would like to volunteer to build a ramp, please contact Hank Bostic at (269) 345-1516 x113.
Some of the volunteer groups we have had the pleasure of working with are First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, Red Arrow Ministries, Westwood Christian Reformed Church, Haven Reformed Church, Centerpoint Church, Whirlpool, and Pfizer. We also collaborate with Milestone Senior Services, Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity, and Harbor Habitat for Humanity.
Financial Support
Ramps are expensive, often upwards of $2,500 just for materials. Our Ramp Up program coordinates funding from a variety of sources. The limit to how many ramps we can provide people in need is determined by the amount of money we can raise for the program. Some of the funding comes from grants and some from generous donations from individuals and corporations.
If you would like to make a donation of any amount to support our Ramp Up Program, you may use the donate button at the top of this page.
Ramp Application
Because of an increased demand for ramp installation, we are currently experiencing a large waiting list with limited funding. As a result, we have suspended accepting new applications until we can reduce the waiting list and secure additional funding. Individuals looking for a ramp in the city of Portage should still reach out as there is still funding supporting ramp builds in the Portage area.
Due to the changing nature of ramp-related resources in our community, we refrain from listing other organizations who may be able to assist with ramps on our website; interested individuals are however encouraged to contact our Information & Referral (I&R) team and we will be happy to share any community resources available at the time of your call.
If you have questions and would like to contact us by phone, please reach out at (269) 345-1516 x107 or ask for the Ramp Up inbox. Thank you!