Every community has different needs, and every individual has unique gifts and passions to help meet those needs. At the Columbia Basin Veterans Center (CBVC), one of the ways we serve our community is by helping aging and disabled veterans regain safe access to their homes through the construction of wheelchair ramps. 

This year alone, our veteran volunteers have built and installed three wheelchair ramps and are currently working on their fourth. These projects do far more than improve accessibility. They restore independence, dignity and quality of life. 

Much of this work is made possible through the generosity of our community. Homeowners who no longer need their wheelchair ramps often donate them to CBVC. These donated ramps provide valuable materials that can be redesigned and adapted for another veteran’s home. We also buy used ramps at reasonable prices whenever possible, using funds raised through our nonprofit to stretch every dollar as far as it can go. 

This month, we received another incredible blessing when a shipping container from First Storage Portable LLC was donated to store our wheelchair ramp materials. Lampson Crane generously delivered and placed the container at no cost, providing us with a secure place to organize supplies for future projects. We are deeply grateful for partnerships like these that make our mission possible. 

Recently, we had the privilege of helping an 84-year-old Marine Corps veteran and his wife. He faced stairs at his front door, garage and back entrance, making even simple tasks a daily challenge.  

Because of hip, back and leg issues, he relied on both a cane and a walker. He shared that his greatest concern was not only his own safety but also the possibility of his wife being injured while trying to help him navigate the steps.  

Over time, leaving the house became so difficult that he often chose to stay home except for medical appointments. What had once been a place of comfort had begun to feel like a place of confinement. After the ramp was installed, he once again had the freedom to safely enter and leave his home. His house was no longer a place that held him back. It became a home again. 

One of the most rewarding parts of this work is seeing veterans helping fellow veterans. Our volunteers bring their skills, experience and hearts to every project. More than building ramps, they are building friendships, restoring hope and finding renewed purpose through service. 

If you are a veteran looking for camaraderie, connection and an opportunity to make a difference, we invite you to join us. One of the best ways to get connected is through Coffee Bunker NW, held on the first and third Fridays and the last Saturday of each month from 8-10 a.m. Enjoy breakfast, coffee and fellowship with 40 to 50 veterans representing every branch of the military. 

CBVC is located at 1020 S. Seventh Ave. in Pasco. Whether you are looking to serve, need assistance or simply want to meet other veterans, our doors are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Together, veterans continue to serve. This time by serving one another. 

Kristopher Dahir is the executive director of the Columbia Basin Veterans Center, 1020 S. Seventh Ave., Pasco. Go to: columbiabasinvetcenter.org.