The Ramp it Up! Youth Initiative started construction on its 250th ramp in Broome County, helping make homes accessible for those in need.
On Wednesday, engineering students from Windsor High School partnered with Ramp It Up! to construct a 43-foot ramp for an individual living in Endicott.
“I’ve just been helping out with whatever is needed. I’ve been able to lift a lot of things. But we were squaring off some boards and drilling in the first parts of the ramp,” said 11th grader at Windsor High School, Kirsten Yalosky. “And this is obviously a project for the homeowner living here that’s in need of it.”
Through Ramp it Up!, youth from local schools, church youth groups, sports teams, scouting organizations and community clubs have spent thousands of volunteer hours helping their neighbors since the organization was founded in 2009.
“Not only do we see clients experience freedom to be able to go and come from their houses safely, but we also see young people learning their skills to their community in a really important way. It’s rewarding on every level,” said Ramp it Up! Program Coordinator Harold Wheat.
The construction is made possible by the Broome County Council of Churches and the City of Binghamton.
The ramp is expected to be finished on Thursday, April 23.