A different kind of before and after: metal ramp edition. We recently installed our first metal ramp through a partnership with Bon Secours Health System. Ramps and aging-in-place modifications have immediate value—building a ramp can drastically reduce the risk of falls at a home in just one day’s work. Metal ramps like these are perfect for short-term and emergency needs, such as if hospice care refers a homeowner for a ramp. These ramps don’t just benefit a person with mobility restrictions; they benefit the caretakers and families who serve in a support role for aging loved ones. Thank you so much to the crew from St. Anthony’s Catholic Church for making this metal ramp happen for this homeowner. In 2023, Rebuild Upstate secured 10 reusable metal ramps through an innovative partnership with Bon Secours Health System, along with a $50,000 donation for general mission support. (fb)

Even the simplest of aging-in-place modifications can be life-changing for an older adult homeowner. What might look like a simple, small ramp and a handrail to some, for this homeowner means being able to enter and exit their home safely and without fear of falling. May is National Older Americans Month. Accessibility ramps and handrails like these ensure older adults can remain in the homes they love and have lived in for years. They prevent trips and falls and potential visits to the hospital. They help keep older adult neighbors connected to their community. Rebuild Upstate utilizes donations and volunteers to repair around 150 homes each year for older adults and homeowners in need. If your church group or employer would like to participate in such a project, please reach out to us. (fb)