Coryell County volunteers build free ramps to restore home access

A Gatesville-based branch of the Texas Ramp Project is restoring access and safety for Coryell County residents who cannot afford to modify their homes. The regional program provides free, custom-built wheelchair ramps to low-income seniors, veterans and people with disabilities when they are referred by a social service agency or a healthcare provider.

Regional manager Jim Hoge coordinates volunteer crews often organized through local churches and civic groups. Volunteers precut ramp modules in a central location, transport them to homes and typically assemble complete ramps on site in a few hours. Ramps are built to ADA-consistent slope and safety guidelines, use pressure-treated lumber, include handrails and skid-resistant surfaces, and are provided at no cost to qualifying recipients.

The Gatesville program has increased ramp production since it was founded locally, allowing more neighbors who had become housebound to regain entry and exit from their homes. Ramps reduce the risk of falls, make it possible for residents to attend medical appointments and social gatherings, and lessen the strain on caregivers. For many families in Coryell County, a ramp is the difference between dependence and independence.

The effort depends on donated materials, discounts from local suppliers and volunteer labor. That local support keeps costs out of homeowners pockets and routes donations directly into construction. Rapid response is a priority when urgent needs arise, such as residents who have been unable to leave their homes for extended periods.

The program also highlights persistent gaps in how home accessibility is funded. Because ramps are provided through referrals from social service agencies or health providers, residents unfamiliar with those systems or without established provider relationships can miss out. Reliance on donations and supplier discounts means production can fluctuate with economic conditions and charitable giving, underscoring a need for more stable public funding or local partnerships to ensure equitable access.

For Coryell County, the project is not just a construction program but a community safety net that mobilizes congregations, service clubs and neighbors to solve a practical problem. It also speaks to public health priorities: preventing injuries, enabling access to care, and reducing isolation among older adults and people with disabilities.

Our two cents? If you or a neighbor needs a ramp, contact your social service agency or healthcare provider about a referral and visit the Texas Ramp Project site for volunteer and donation information. Pitch in if you can; a few hours of labor and donated materials can help keep someone safely in their home.