Volunteers Elevate Life for those with Physical Disabilities

Photo: Home Builders Foundation

Each spring, organizations across the Denver metro area eagerly await the crew assignments for Home Builders Foundation’s (HBF) annual Blitz Build. The project-based event engages volunteer crews, under the direction of an experienced project captain, in building and installing mobility ramps for individuals living with a physical disability.

The volunteer crews come from a variety of industries ranging from architecture to design, builders and contractors, to banks and rehab hospitals. Some treat the experience as a team building opportunity, others enjoy the networking and still others welcome the opportunity to learn hands-on skills. All leave with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction, knowing that they have made life better for an individual living with a disability and their family by enhancing safety, independence and accessibility.

Photo: Home Builders Foundation

 “It’s a great bonding experience,” shared Jennifer Eye, Office Manager at  OrePac Building Products, a distributor of Fiberon Decking, which is the presenting sponsor for the 2024 Blitz Build. “But the real reward comes at the end of the day when the client sees and uses the ramp for the first time.”

Recently, a volunteer crew from OrePac installed a permanent ramp for 10-year-old Ciara B. who is a double amputee and navigates life in a wheelchair. The ramp allows Ciara to go outside her Parker home independently and interact with neighbors and friends.

Photo: Home Builders Foundation

This year’s Blitz Build kicked off the weekend of May 16-19 and will continue through October, with one three-day Blitz Build weekend each month. By the end of the Blitz Build season, HBF anticipates that 25 clients will have new ramps.

In mid-June, Jorgette D. relaxed with the volunteer crew from Colorado Construction Network Group who had just built a ramp and patio in the backyard of the Thornton home she shares with her husband Neil. Neil suffered a spinal stroke during surgery last year and is paralyzed from the chest down. Beaming, she told the group, “This is life-saving. I haven’t seen Neil smile like this in months. It’s going to be wonderful for him to be able to go outside with the grandkids and the dog.”

Photo: Home Builders Foundation

Since the initiation of Blitz Build in 2011, more than 220 ramps – with a total retail value of more than $1 million – have been built and installed. The goal is to provide individuals who have a physical disability with more safety and independence when entering and leaving their homes and accessing our community.

The average cost of a residential ramp is $5,000+, which is often more than families struggling with multiple medical bills can afford. Sponsors and material donations cover the costs so that the ramps are completely free to the clients. Spots for Blitz Build volunteer crews fill quickly each year; however, HBF has additional opportunities for volunteers to get involved throughout the year. To learn more, visit hbfdenver.org/volunteerwithhbf/.