The Shalom Zone, a coalition of progressive northside churches including The Garden, Cross & Crown Lutheran, Allisonville Christian, First Friends Meeting, St. Pius X Catholic, and Metanoia, builds a ramp each year for someone who is homebound. Partnering with Servants at Work (SAWs), the coalition funds the materials and provides volunteers, while SAWs supplies the lumber, hardware, and on‑site supervision.

On September 20, 2025, Shalom Zone and SAWs volunteers came together to construct a ramp in just four hours. Before build day, SAWs had already vetted the recipient and her property, designed a ramp to fit the space, cut the lumber, and pre‑assembled sections. On the day itself, volunteers worked under the SAWs supervisor’s guidance, fastening each piece into place until the ramp stood ready for use.

Along with her caregivers, the woman who uses a wheelchair was overjoyed to see such a life‑changing addition completed so quickly. Volunteers left with a deep sense of accomplishment, knowing their work had opened new possibilities for mobility and independence.

Learn more about SAWs and how to get involved at www.sawsramps.org. For information on other Shalom Zone projects, contact Betty Brandt.