Two and half years ago, Jamille Hernandez was riding in her family’s car when the unthinkable happened: they were hit by a drunk driver. Jamille spent three months in the hospital undergoing rehabilitation for the injuries she sustained during the accident: brain injury, collapsed lung, broken neck, broken leg, and spinal cord injury, leaving her paralyzed.
As she began to recover from the injuries and adapt to life in a wheelchair, her family became aware of the Home Builders Foundation, a metro-Denver based nonprofit that builds independence for those living with disabilities through home modifications. They applied for assistance and were visited by staff and volunteers to assess the project. From there, the HBF began sourcing a Project Captain to complete the work. Wonderland Homes, a local home builder, has been an HBF partner and supporter for many years. When they met Jamille, they immediately volunteered to assist.
First, the Wonderland Homes crew built a front ramp for Jamille. Last year, they continued their work with a completely remodeled bathroom (converting the tub to a shower, adding an accessible vanity and widening the door). The final phase is a back deck and ramp that will allow her safe and independent access to her backyard, where her family spends much of their time.
This final modification will happen as part of the HBF’s 9th Annual Blitz Build. The Blitz Build will bring together more than 200 volunteers to build 25 ramps across metro Denver – including four in Denver – over three days beginning this Wednesday August 21st through Friday, August 23rd. Each Blitz Build recipient has a unique situation that led them to need a ramp, just like Jamille. Blitz Build projects will be completed in Arvada, Aurora, Castle Rock, Denver, Englewood, Lakewood, Thornton and Westminster.
The retail value of the work that will be completed during the Blitz Build is estimated to be close to $90,000. Thanks to all involved, the work will be done at no cost to the HBF or any of the Blitz Build recipients. The HBF community support comes from the event’s Presenting Sponsor, FirstBank; critical in-kind material donations including decking from MoistureShield distributed by BlueLinx, and treated lumber from Universal Forest Products; as well as many additional cash and in-kind sponsors.
“We continue to be proud supporters of the Home Builders Foundation because of the important work they do for our community, and the opportunity to give back through our talents as home builders. We have grown to know Jamille and her family over the past few years and are thrilled to complete the final phase of her home modification, so she can continue to grow and thrive and become an independent young girl.” – Kolby O’Herron, Senior Vice President at Wonderland Homes and Home Builders Foundation Board Member
Upon completion of this ramp, the total value of the work completed by the HBF and its partners for Jamille will be more than $20,000. Please consider donating today to help the HBF continue to provide accessible home modifications for individuals with a physical disability throughout the year.