When a consumer with mobility issues reaches out for help, BayPath does all it can to assist. In this instance, Michelle Birdwell, ANCHOR Case Manager for BayPath, was working with a consumer who could go downstairs but not come back up without assistance, and her front door had steps going up to it. The consumer had some support from her physical therapist and her UMass Memorial Accountable Care Organization (ACO) Case Manager, but a long-term solution was needed.

Michelle reached out to several sources, but either the price or the timing was prohibitive. Then Michelle made a call to Habitat for Humanity for MetroWest and Greater Worcester, and that changed everything! Not only was Habitat for Humanity able to help, but they also stepped up almost immediately to assist in building an ADA compliant handicapped ramp to the front entrance of the home.

The project began on October 23, and was completed within a little over two weeks, with final inspection occurring the week of November 11. Five volunteers were onsite in addition to the Habitat for Humanity Construction Manager, Paul Rebello. The project scope involved removing the existing railings and staircase and then building out the new ramp. The homeowner is now able to leave and return to her own home without assistance.