New ramp frees homebound resident

By Anya Tikka
DINGMAN TOWNSHIP — Charles Slater became wheelchair-bound after a fall and ensuing medical problems. His wife, Julie, was unable to get him in and out of their Pocono Woodlands home.

On Saturday March 5, they were freed from their predicament by a brand-new ramp.

Pike County Habitat for Humanity reached out to the Slaters and roused volunteers from community, including the Delaware Valley High School basketball team, to install a metal ramp that can accommodate Charles' wheelchair.

“Typically, Habitat builds ramps for individuals in need," said Barbara Donlon, Habitat’s administrator. "However, our operations are shut down until spring due to our building leaders being out of town for the winter.”

But after reaching out to the community, in an effort led by Pike County Habitat's founder and president, Pastor Niels Nielsen, they found a solution. Volunteers and Amramp, the materials supplier, came together for a good cause.

“To help this family in great need, our pastor led the operations on the day,” Donlon said.

Amramp installed the ramp and waived shipping charges, in keeping with Habitat's spirit to collaborate with community and businesses to help families in difficult situations.

Habitat fortified volunteers at the job site with snacks and lunch

“It was a large project,” Donlon said.

The Delaware Valley superintendent of schools, Dr. John Bell, was enthusiastic, she said, and "appreciated Habitat's and Amramp's leadership working with the young men and the community,."