Rebuilding Together Sandoval County builds ramp for disabled Rio Rancho homeowner

Rebuilding Together Sandoval County and Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico teamed up last week for National Rebuilding Day Volunteer Ramp Build for a disabled homeowner in Rio Rancho.

The two groups sent volunteers to the home of 67-year-old Rio Rancho resident Sharon Ford to add a proper ramp entrance to her home.

“We chose this home because an older disabled homeowner did not have a safe entrance and exit to her home," RTSC Program Manager Dana Oliveri said. “The current ramp is deteriorating, does not have handrails, and the rise is approximately three times steeper than ADA slope requirements.”

The group of volunteers battled nasty weather on April 27 but were able to clear two dumpsters worth of overgrowth and debris, move and cut a large amount of lumber and start on construction of the ramp's main frame.

The RTSC crew went back out at the beginning of the week to finish up the project.

Rebuilding Together Sandoval County is a 501.c.3 nonprofit organization, which was founded in 1999, focused on providing safe and healthy housing for vulnerable populations, including disabled people, low-income homeowners and veterans.

Rebuilding Together Sandoval County was originally called “Christmas in April.” It is dedicated to helping residents in Sandoval County who could not afford essential repairs to keep their homes safe and habitable. The original goal was to bring together volunteers once a year, in April, to do a project. From that modest start, RTSC has grown into an organization that provides year-round assistance. RTSC is now one of more than 100 affiliates of Rebuilding Together USA, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing rehabilitation services free of charge to those in need.

RTSC is always looking for volunteers and donations. It will be repairing 30-plus homes over the next year and needs help to get the work done. To donate, click here, or, to volunteer, click here.