The short answer
Seniors and people with disabilities in Southwest Michigan can get help with wheelchair ramps through Milestone Senior Services (Kalamazoo County, age 60 and up), Disability Network Southwest Michigan's Ramp Up program, Community Homeworks in Kalamazoo, the Kalamazoo County Area Agency on Aging and the Allegan County Home Repair Program run by Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency. Funding, waitlists and rules change, so call to ask what is open now.
Milestone Senior Services (Kalamazoo County)
Milestone runs a home repair and accessibility program for people 60 and older, funded mostly by the Kalamazoo County senior millage, including ramps, handrails and safety repairs. Call 269.382.0515. Source
Disability Network Southwest Michigan: Ramp Up
Ramp Up builds ramps for people with disabilities, with volunteers working alongside a licensed contractor. New applications have been paused at times, with Portage funds still open, so call to check. 269.345.1516, extension 113. Source
Community Homeworks (Kalamazoo)
Community Homeworks makes critical repairs that help people stay in their homes, using approved contractors. Call 269.998.3275. Source
Kalamazoo County Area Agency on Aging
The county's aging services office connects older adults with in home help and home safety programs. Call 269.373.5173. Source
Allegan County Home Repair Program
Allegan County residents can apply for home repair help through Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency; ramps are reviewed case by case. Call 269.925.9077, extension 870, and ask about current terms. Source
Veterans
Veterans should ask the VA about home modification grants for accessibility, such as the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant.
Paying privately
If you do not qualify or cannot wait, a contractor can give you a free estimate. Composite ramps cost more up front than wood but do not need staining or sealing, and they hold up better to Michigan weather.
When to call a pro
Quality Finish builds and rebuilds wheelchair ramps across Southwest Michigan and can give you a free estimate to bring to any of these programs. Call or text 269.998.0410.
Wheelchair ramps and accessibility in Southwest MichiganCommon questions
Does Medicare pay for wheelchair ramps?+
Generally no. Medicare does not usually cover home modifications like ramps; local aging and disability programs are the better place to start.
Who helps seniors get a ramp in Kalamazoo County?+
Milestone Senior Services, Disability Network Southwest Michigan's Ramp Up program and Community Homeworks all help with ramps or home repairs in the Kalamazoo area.
Is there help in Allegan County?+
Yes. Ask Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency about the Allegan County Home Repair Program at 269.925.9077, extension 870.