Meet Isaiah – 2019 Blitz Build Recipient

Isaiah R. is an active 12-year-old boy who plays baseball, basketball and loves being around family and friends. But everyday tasks like washing hands and bathing independently are difficult for Isaiah because he lives with multiple disabilities including Spina Bifida, Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome and Pulmonary Hypertension. Because of these challenges, he is in a wheelchair and is limited in his independence in and around his home.

Jim Iversen is a 25-year volunteer with the Challenger Division of Little League where Isaiah plays baseball. When chatting with Isaiah’s family and understanding their desire to have modifications done to their home to increase Isaiah’s independence, Jim immediately put them in touch with the Home Builders Foundation (HBF), where he serves as a board member. 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. The family applied, which was followed by a visit to the home to assess the project. From there, the HBF began sourcing a Project Captain to complete the work.

GJ Gardner, a local home builder, has signed on to complete bathroom modifications. Jim’s company, Rio Grande Co., will provide volunteer crews to build ramps at Isaiah’s house during 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 Isaiah’s – over three days. Each Blitz Build recipient has a unique situation that led them to need a ramp, just like Isaiah. Blitz Build projects will be completed in Arvada, Aurora, Castle Rock, Denver, Englewood, Lakewood, Thornton and Westminster.

I’ve been a part of the Challenger program for so long, and also know the important work that the HBF does in our community to support those living with disabilities. I’m humbled to have a small part in bringing these two organizations together to benefit Isaiah and our community.” – Jim Iversen, HBF Board Member, Challenger Division Volunteer and Rio Grande Co. Employee

The retail value of the work that will be completed during the entire Blitz Build event 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 recipeints. 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, and volunteers

Upon completion of the ramp and bathroom (scheduled for September), Isaiah will have safe and independent access to his home, helping him find the joys in the everyday tasks and his extracurricular activities. Please consider donating today to help the HBF continue to provide accessible home modifications for individuals with a physical disability throughout the year.