Upper Valley Students Build Accessibility Ramp for Charlestown Woman Stuck Indoors

A Charlestown woman who had not left her home in a year regained access to the outdoors after Hanover High School students spent four days building her an accessibility ramp as part of a week-long March Intensive program.

The project was organized by Cover Home Repair, a nonprofit that provides urgent home improvements for qualifying homeowners at no cost. Materials for the build ran about $5,000, funded through proceeds from Cover's bookstore and thrift shop in White River Junction.

Ninth graders Charlie Ryckman and Ryan Bradley were among the Hanover students who stayed at the Charlestown home for the week. For Ryckman, the appeal was straightforward. "It just seemed like something that would be fun, rather than doing something at the school. It would be different, more hands-on, and helping people," he said.

Bradley brought some informal construction experience to the site. "Nothing on a project like this, but just like growing up with my dad, I've helped out," he said.

John Heath of Cover Home Repair said the students carried most of the build themselves. "These guys are spending four days with us. They are really gaining the skills. I mean, we've done very little. They've built this ramp," Heath said. He described the experience as a natural entry point into community service: "It is a good introduction for folks to come out and meet their neighbors and do work for them and also financially."

The homeowner developed mobility issues following recent health problems, leaving her effectively confined indoors. After the ramp was completed, Ryckman said hearing her reaction made the work concrete. "Learning that this ramp we built will actually help a lot and hearing her speak about it felt amazing," he said.

Cover Home Repair draws on hundreds of volunteers annually to carry out projects like this one. Those interested in getting involved can contact the organization's bookstore and thrift shop in White River Junction.