HOME BUILDERS FOUNDATION BUILDS 20 RAMPS IN THREE DAYS FOR DENVER METRO RESIDENTS IN NEED OF ACCESS TO THEIR OWN HOMES
The Home Builders Foundation (HBF) recently executed the 8th Annual Blitz Build, which brought together over 200 volunteers to build wheelchair ramps for 20 Denver metro residents in just three days.
This year’s Blitz Build recipients’ range in age from 8 years old to 87 years old. Projects were completed in Arvada, Aurora, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Denver, Englewood, Larkspur, Lafayette, Lakewood, Littleton, Morrison, Parker, and Thornton. Each has a unique situation that led them to need a ramp, including living with muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy or an accident resulting in a spinal cord injury. What they have in common is the desire to access their own homes safely and independently, so they can also access and thrive in our community.
PWB/ VanDyk Construction crew for Josh B. (pictured above left)
HBA Connections – Many of this year’s Blitz Build projects are made possible thanks to the support of many HBA members or councils, serving or supporting crews. These HBA members include but are not limited to: BMC, BlueLinx, Century Communities, Colorado Housing & Finance Authority, HBA’s Custom Builder Remodelers Council, David Weekley Homes, FirstBank, Fortress Framing Haberer Carpentry, Jackson Design Build, Lennar, MT Sales OrePac, Parkwood Homes, Rosewater Construction, Saddleback Design, HBA’s Professional Women in Building Council, VanDyk Construction, Weyerhaeuser, William Lyon Homes, Wonderland Homes, and HBA’s Young Leaders Council.
CBRC crew (Patrick, Darin and Jason) with their recipient, Bunny. Crew member Linda says “What an amazing experience with a group of talented friends! Thank you for pitching in and offering your time and workmanship to complete a ramp that will be life changing for Bunny and her son."
The retail value of this work completed during the Blitz Build is estimated to be more than $70,000.
The Home Builders Foundation (HBF) is the HBA’s charity of choice and a metro-Denver nonprofit that partners with the homebuilding industry to provide home modifications at no cost for individuals with physical disabilities.
Thanks to all involved, especially to the event’s Presenting Sponsor, FirstBank, and many additional cash and in-kind sponsors including Universal Forest Products, who donated all of the treated lumber and Bluelinx, who donated all the decking, the work will be done at no cost to the HBF. And, as with all HBF projects, the recipients received these modifications at no cost. It is anticipated that, in addition to the retail value of the work done at no cost, this the event, and corresponding Ramp this House campaign, will raise more than $20,000 to allow the HBF to complete future accessible home modifications for deserving recipients.
Recipient Cinthia Y., with Project Captain Bill Wood (2018 HBF Board President) in Brighton, CO
“The Blitz Build began as a way to address a backlog of projects and engage volunteers. The first year, we completed 7 ramps with a handful of volunteers. After this year, nearly 150 ramps will have been built during Blitz Build weekends. It has been amazing to watch this event grow to serve so many recipients in our community and by utilizing over 200 volunteers.” Beth Forbes, Executive Director of the HBF
About the Home Builders Foundation
Since 1993, the organization has helped more than 1,500 individuals with disabilities remain in their homes with dignity and independence. The mission of the Home Builders Foundation is to build independence, provide opportunities and elevate lives for individuals and families with disabilities in our community. For more information, visit