An unemployed Ogden family with two paraplegic children is celebrating Christmas with a customized wheelchair ramp at their home.
Previously, the children and their wheelchairs had to be maneuvered over a number of stairs whenever they went in or out of the house. The ramp was obtained by members of Weber State University's new Habitat for Humanity organization.The group, which was formed this fall, concentrates on helping struggling families with housing or related needs. Members coordinate projects with Habitat for Humanity/Northern Utah.
Locating and transporting the wheelchair ramp was the first project Weber State group members had taken on by themselves.
John Emery, president of the campus group, said he was surprised at how smoothly his first project went. He was able to obtain the ramp donation within 20 minutes on the phone.
He only had to call one business to find someone with a $1,000 adjustable ramp that was no longer needed. The experience has him optimistic about future projects.
Weber State and other Ogden Habitat volunteers are now rushing to complete two new houses to be occupied by homeless families before Christmas.
Emery and four other Weber State students formed the campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity after participating in a Habitat project in California during spring break.
"We helped build an apartment for eight families during that week," Emery said. "We left feeling like we had really accomplished something."
A 25-year-old United States Air Force veteran, Emery said he's seen enough of the world to know that efforts are needed to improve living conditions for many.
"I feel for homeless people," Emery said. "They shouldn't have to suffer when there is something that can be done to help."
Emery hopes to inspire many others to join in the effort.
"It doesn't matter if you are a teenager or middle aged, you can do something to help those around you."