Details Released On Escambia County Wheelchair Ramp Program For Needy Residents

February 26, 2019

Escambia County is partnering with local nonprofit agencies for a wheelchair ramp pilot partnership program that aims to help county residents maintain independence and improve wheelchair accessibility to their homes.

The Escambia Board of County Commissioners approved funding for the program in December. Under the pilot program, the county will work with nonprofit agencies to build the ramps, with the agencies providing volunteer labor for construction and the county providing funding for materials.

Local agencies including Pensacola Civitan Club, Council on Aging of West Florida Inc., Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Inc. and Ray of Hope of Northwest Florida Inc. will participate in the program to provide volunteer construction of ramps, but are often limited in the number of ramps that can be built due to a shortage of volunteers and  funding for materials and supplies.

These agencies are looking for handy volunteers to support their ramp building initiatives. For volunteer opportunities, please contact the agencies below:

  • Pensacola Civitan Club: (850) 255-9796
  • Council on Aging of West Florida: (850) 266-2518
  • Pensacola Habitat for Humanity: (850) 434-5456
  • Ray of Hope of Northwest Florida: (850) 995-0007

Aid will be targeted to owner occupants residing in Escambia County whose income is at or below 80 percent of area median income. Consideration may be given to non-owner occupied properties on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must be current on property taxes and not have any outstanding county liens to participate. Assistance is provided as a grant with no payback requirements. Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division will accept referrals from participating agencies and will screen applicants for eligibility.

For general information or for organizations interested in participating in the program, contact Meredith Reeves in the Neighborhood Enterprise Division at (850) 595-4968.

Homeowners interested in applying for assistance may contact the Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division at (850) 595-0022 or ned@myescambia.com.

Pictured: A wheelchair ramp recently installed by the Pensacola Civitan Club. Materials for similar ramps may be funded by Escambia County through the wheelchair ramp pilot program. Photos for NorthEcambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

5 Responses to “Details Released On Escambia County Wheelchair Ramp Program For Needy Residents”

  1. Merry on February 27th, 2019 8:15 pm

    @Sue Contact COA or Ray of Hope that has a presence in Santa Rosa. Your family may need to cover material costs

  2. Suzie B on February 26th, 2019 10:11 pm

    To “Sue” – check with the Council on Aging of West Florida to see what information they can give you for your area. They are not only for Pensacola/Escambia. Thanks to everyone who helps make this program work

  3. Sage2 on February 26th, 2019 5:20 pm

    For those responsible for this act of kindness…thank you!

  4. northend resident on February 26th, 2019 1:19 pm

    Awesome program for those who need the help. Thank you to all involved!

  5. Sue on February 26th, 2019 4:20 am

    Does Santa Rosa offer this ? We half 1/2 the material paid for . I have an uncle in just a few days may not be able to leave his house because he can’t walk down the steps. If so who do we contact .

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News