Escambia County Supports Wheelchair Ramp Pilot Program

Escambia County is partnering with local nonprofit agencies for a wheelchair ramp pilot partnership program that aims to help county residents maintain independence and improve wheelchair accessibility to their homes.

The Escambia Board of County Commissioners approved funding for the program at the December Committee of the Whole meeting. Under the pilot program, the county will work with nonprofit agencies to build the ramps, with the agencies providing volunteer labor for construction and the county providing funding for materials.

Local agencies including Pensacola Civitan Club, Council on Aging of West Florida Inc., Pensacola Habitat for Humanity Inc. and Ray of Hope of Northwest Florida Inc. will participate in the program to provide volunteer construction of ramps, but are often limited in the number of ramps that can be built due to a shortage of volunteers and/or funding for materials and supplies.

These agencies are looking for handy volunteers to support their ramp building initiatives. For volunteer opportunities, please contact the agencies below:

• Pensacola Civitan Club: 850-255-9796
• Council on Aging of West Florida: 850-266-2518
• Pensacola Habitat for Humanity: 850-434-5456
• Ray of Hope of Northwest Florida: 850-995-0007

Aid will be targeted to owner occupants residing in Escambia County whose income is at or below 80 percent of area median income. Consideration may be given to non-owner occupied properties on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must be current on property taxes and not have any outstanding county liens to participate. Assistance is provided as a grant with no payback requirements. Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division will accept referrals from participating agencies and will screen applicants for eligibility.

For general information or for organizations interested in participating in the program, contact Meredith Reeves in the Neighborhood Enterprise Division at 850-595-4968.

Homeowners interested in applying for assistance may contact the Escambia County Neighborhood Enterprise Division at 850-595-0022 or ned@myescambia.com.



A wheelchair ramp recently installed by the Pensacola Civitan Club. Materials for similar ramps may be funded by Escambia County through the wheelchair ramp pilot program.