Steuben County volunteer group completes 700th ramp

AVOCA, N.Y. ( WETM ) — The group, “Ramp Guys” completed its 700th ramp for an Avoca resident in need. They have been building ramps for senior citizens in Steuben County since 1998.

The Ramp Guys is an all-volunteer construction group that now builds 40 to 50 ramps a year to help residents enter and exit their homes safely.

One of the volunteers, Jim Deats said, “It gives you a good feeling. We’ve done some for people who haven’t been able to get out of their house for a year and when you get one belt, they’re, pretty happy and it makes you feel good. And the camaraderie of doing it is a great feeling too.”

Another volunteer, Adam Ormsby added how, “The need for ramps is great and people need ramps when they’re coming out of the hospital or just to get in and out of their house. The whole idea of keeping people in their homes and making sure it’s safe is really our goal.”

The Avoca home resident, Lois Cagle said, “Words can’t explain it’s just unbelievable that they are donating their time, their energy just to help somebody. It’s something you don’t see much anymore.”

Anyone who wants to have a ramp built at their house can contact the Steuben County Office for the Aging. Those that may not qualify, can also reach out to the Avoca Methodist Church, or reach out to one of the Ramp Guys’ coordinators at 607-769-7096.

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