My name is David Joy. I'm a novelist who lives in Tuckasegee, NC. I'm trying to raise money to place a handicap ramp onto the home of a dear friend of mine. My friend has experienced a great deal of hardship over the past few months and is currently having a very difficult time navigating the stairs at her home. A handicap ramp will enable her to safely come and go.

Over the past few years she has been dealing with debilitating back pain as the result of compression fractures. She is on oxygen for other conditions and has frequent appointments to attend. Many of the health issues she is facing resulted from a stroke a few years ago. On top of this, her daughter was recently murdered by someone in our community. Following this event, when I asked what was one thing I could do for her she was adamant that what she needed more than anything was a ramp installed on her home. The day after her daughter's funeral she had surgery on her back and is currently healing from that procedure. She is in extreme pain and having a very difficult time navigating the home.

This past Sunday I had a carpenter come out and take measurements and estimate cost to install a ramp onto the home. Code requires that there be one foot of ramp for each inch of vertical drop. There is a 40" vertical drop from her porch. The plan is to install a 20' foot ramp to a small landing with another 20' ramp, for a total of 40' of ramp. The estimate on lumber if the ramp were constructed with pressure treated, as required by code, is around $2,000. I've spoken with a few different construction companies in the area, and all seem to be booked out. She and her husband had previously reached out to multiple nonprofits that install ramps, but all are months and even up to a year out. In the end, we're looking at somewhere around $3,000 to install a timber frame ramp.

An issue with a timber ramp is that the home is a rental property and in the event that they have to move they would not be able to take this with them. One of the contractors I spoke with suggested that we try to purchase a used metal ramp. I think this is a very good option in that it would allow them to take the ramp with them in the event of a move. I've priced some of these ramps and they all seem to be in the $5,000 range. I've found one for $4,500 and that is what I'm trying to raise money to provide. The contractor has told me that he will help me with pick up and install if we are able to purchase this ramp. Another benefit of this ramp is that I would be able to donate it to a community group in the event that it is no longer needed on their home. Rather than being tied to a specific property, this ramp will be able serve many people in need over the life of the equipment.

I appreciate your time and kindness. If you have any questions or concern please feel free to reach out to me on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.