Aurora Resident Receives Ramp Thanks to Home Builders Foundation and HBA’s Young Leaders Council

Three years ago, Army veteran Jerome “Jerry” Kranzler started having difficulty walking; his legs would freeze and not move. Mobility continued to suffer, with additional issues affecting cognition, memory and mobility, especially with respect to walking, so he began using a motorized chair. He was diagnosed with Vascular Parkinsonism and continued to lose mobility, and then suffered a stroke, leaving him wheelchair bound.

Jerry and his wife, Niki, started seeking assistance for a ramp, so he could safely access his home, and also get outside to enjoy the sunshine and his garden. That’s where the Home Builders Foundation (HBF) and the HBA’s Young Leaders Council became a part of Jerry’s story. The HBF is a metro-Denver based nonprofit that modifies homes to make them accessible so that individuals living with a disability can live safe, independent lives once again. After receiving the Jerry’s request for assistance, the HBF visited the home to assess the project and began sourcing a Project Captain to complete the work.

The timing was optimal, as HBF had recently conducted a “Train the Trainer” session where nearly a dozen volunteers learned how to build a ramp, and lead volunteers in doing so. Tim Barstad from TKP Architects was one of those trainees. The HBF matched him with a crew from the HBA’s Young Leaders Council, and they gathered together last week to complete the ramp for Jerry.

“I’m impressed with how hard the team worked. Everyone was eager to learn new skills and work together to make the ramp a reality. We worked hard, had fun, and built a ramp that will improve Jerry’s daily life.” – Tim Barstad, TKP Architects

The retail value of the ramp is approximately $4,000, but thanks to the HBF, Tim, HBA’s YLC and material donations from Alpine Lumber and Weyerhaueser, Jerry and Niki received these modifications at no cost. The modifications increase Jerry’s safety and increase his ability to independently access his home, his yard and our community.

I really enjoyed learning some hands-on construction skills, but more importantly I’m glad I was able to help give a man living with a disability, accessibility and independence. Thank you to Home Builders FoundationHBA Young Leaders Council Denver & TRI Pointe Homes Colorado for the opportunity.” – Stephanie Graham, Digital Media Manager, TRI Pointe Homes and 2019 YLC Chair