Making Homes Accessible

Safe accessibility to their homes is critical to allowing older adults to remain in their communities.

Through the Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County Ramp Up program, volunteers donate their time and skills to build wheelchair ramps for homeowners who are seeking better accessibility in their homes. This fix makes it possible for the homebound to go outbound and get around!

Examples of other projects we can accept include: installing grab bars and handrails; yard clean-up; trimming bushes; lawn mowing and lawn care; repairing broken outdoor railings.

Applicants for the Ramp Up program must meet certain income requirements. The combined income for all occupants of the home must be between 30% and 80% of the average median income (AMI) of Dutchess County.

Please refer to the chart below:

To be eligible for the Ramp Up program, applicants must also be able to answer “Yes” to the questions below:

  • Is it true that you have never been a Habitat Dutchess Repair recipient before?

  • Do you own (not rent) the home where the Ramp Up project is located?

  • Do you need accessibility repairs?

  • Do you have financial or physical limitations and you can’t complete the project yourself?

  • Are you able or willing to contribute the $25.00 application fee once your application is accepted?

  • If you are physically unable, can family members or friends work with Habitat volunteers to complete the project?

  • Can this project be completed without using a ladder more than six feet tall?

If you do not meet the requirements for our program, please refer to our list of Service Providers who may be able to help you. If you are 65 or older, you may also be interested in the Dutchess County Office of the Aging Resource Guide which has information about services that address health, isolation, hunger, and lack of transportation.  The Service Provider list and the Resource Guide are available here:

habitatdutchess.org/resources/

If you do meet the eligibility requirements for our Ramp Up program, please click here for an interest form that you can download, save, fill out, and send back to us.  You may email it to jennifer.radicone@habitatdutchess.org, or send it by regular mail to: Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County, 1822 South Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. ATT: RAMP UP.

We will add you to our information list and review your project to consider it for approval.

If you have questions about the interest form or would like more information about Ramp Up, please call us at (845) 297-7610 option 4, or send an email to Jennifer.Radicone@habitatdutchess.org.

If you are interested in volunteering for the program, please click here.