LYNNWOOD – Jeff Shannon doesn’t usually have 25 men and women from the Navy wandering in his backyard.
Shannon’s rotting back patio was the reason for the Navy’s Afloat Training group’s visit on Thursday.
As part of the Regional Access Mobility Program, or RAMP, the group volunteered to rebuild the patio.
Shannon, a quadriplegic, lives on a budget that doesn’t have much room for large projects such as this one.
“I don’t know what a contractor would cost,” Shannon said. “Frankly, this is a godsend.”
RAMP volunteers build wheelchair ramps and other means of access for elderly or disabled individuals. Volunteers also help with other construction projects, such as replacing Shannon’s patio.
Co-founder of the program Jerry Otis said providing the low-cost ramps is something that allows disabled people the freedom to live in their own homes.
Otis himself is disabled, though he preferred not to get into the details of his disability.
“The reason RAMP got started is because somebody told me ‘no’ too many times,” Otis said.
BMC West Building Materials provides lumber to the program at a reduced cost, Otis said. Manor Hardware and Martin Lumber are also past donors to the project.
RAMP also works with Carpenter’s Union Locals 131 and 562 to help build the ramps for those who need them.
The Afloat Training group, which prepares a combat-ready force for maritime missions, has volunteered with the program for three years, said Master Chief Mark Brooks.
Brooks made sure he contacted Otis about helping with a project this year, he said.
“We enjoy doing it,” Brooks said. “It gets us out of the office.”
Otis said the program has had all kinds of volunteers, from Boy Scouts to teens working off community-service hours.
Those interested in having a ramp built pay only for the supplies used. All the labor is volunteer, Otis said.
“Our main mission is to help people live at home,” Otis said.
A 30-foot ramp built by RAMP costs anywhere from $1,200 to $1,500.
Shannon said access is probably a factor for how often those with disabilities get out and socialize.
The program helps with that, and resources like RAMP are uncommon, he said.
“It fills a really big need in the community for people who need these kinds of things,” Shannon said. “It’s one more resource.”
Reporter Jasa Santos: 425-339-3465 or jsantos@heraldnet.com.
How to help
If you’re interested in volunteering or donating to the Regional Access Mobility Program, call Jerry Otis at 425-387-2291.
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