Home Builders Foundation Empowers Those with Disabilities

Courtesy Home Builders Foundation (HBF)

Since 1993, Home Builders Foundation (HBF) has assisted 2,500 people living with disabilities throughout the Denver community so that they can remain in their homes. The nonprofit partners with the building community to create home modifications including ramps, accessible bathrooms, lifts, widened doorways, flooring and more that provide safety and independence. 

The benefits of these modifications make life easier and safer for family members and caregivers too. Many of the applications HBF receives note family members’ concerns about safely lifting, bathing or assisting their loved one. For parents, this concern is amplified as their child grows.

Courtesy Home Builders Foundation (HBF)

Recently, HBF completed a home modification that allows Leah M. to live independently with the security of having family in the same home. Now in her mid-forties, Leah has lived independently ever since being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 25 years ago. She now needs more care due to recent health complications resulting from the progression of the disease. HBF modified the basement in her mother’s home to create a fully accessible apartment. Leah’s mom can now provide assistance, and Leah has her own space – something that’s particularly important after living on her own for 25 years. 

Seven-year-old named Persephone is relishing in the freedom she now has thanks to modifications provided by HBF. Persephone, who navigates life in a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy, often had to wait for her parents to carry her outside or to help her in the bathroom. With the installation of a Vertical Platform Lift, she can now join her five siblings when they go outside to play. She can also independently get ready for the day in her accessible bathroom which has a roll-in shower and a roll under sink. 

Courtesy Home Builders Foundation (HBF)

Charles H. is welcoming increasing independence as a teenager now that he has a fully accessible suite including a bedroom, bathroom and roll-in closet. The 13-year-old was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, which leads to progressive muscle fiber degeneration and weakness. HBF also added a covered deck and ramp to the house, which allows Charles to play with his dogs and wheel himself to the front of the house to hang out with neighborhood friends.

In addition to providing safety and independence to clients, HBF estimates that each modification improves life for four to five people. The modifications reduce the physical strain on parents and caregivers, reduce worry and stress and alter the dynamic so that families can focus more on each other and less on caregiving.

To learn more about HBF, or to get involved as a volunteer, supporter or partner, visit hbfdenver.org.