.
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
HomeAbout UsOur WorkGiveVolunteerAdvocateGet HelpNews and ResearchCampaign ResourcesPartner Resources
Agenda for Change
Education
Income
Basic Needs
United Way for Southeastern Michigan is a 2009 Crain's Best Managed Nonprofits finalist
Join the Live United Movement
 
Our Work


Basic Needs
Ray West Memorial Ramp Project

Learn more
The facts:
» Poverty has a positive correlation to unemployment, substance use, child abuse, domestic violence, homelessness and adult illiteracy
Get involved:
» Give to United Way's work in Basic Needs
For more information:
»

Contact Vanessa Austin at 313-226-9217.

Ray West

We’re Fulfilling Individual’s Needs

Named in memory of United Way labor liaison Ray West, the Ray West Memorial Ramp Project provides free wheelchair ramps to low-income residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties living with physical disabilities.

The project is made possible because of your United Way contributions, and the efforts of countless volunteers, partners from the public, private and nonprofit sectors, and organized labor.

Providing Pathways To Independence

Linda Whaley, a journeyman toolmaker at DaimlerChrysler, isn’t a stranger to giving back. The Warren resident has been helping others for more than two years by building wheelchair ramps across southeast Michigan.

“We take for granted being able to leave our homes,” says Linda, 38. “Some of these individuals haven’t been out of the house in so long.”

Over the past three years, more than 115 people have gained or reclaimed their independence thanks to a wheelchair ramp provided by United Way. These results are only possible because of the ongoing commitment of the many volunteers from organized labor and other sectors, from the community at large, and your generous United Way support.

You Can Help

The Ray West Memorial Ramp project is supported by your contributions and volunteer hours. If you are interested in contributing your time to help build a wheelchair ramp or would like to recruit a team to assist in the project give us. Simply dial 2-1-1 and we will connect you to an opportunity to make a difference.

There are also many opportunities to support the project by giving. Each year, hundreds of individuals, businesses and community groups support our work through financial contributions, or donations of lumber, tools, nails and other supplies, we could not build ramps without. You too can contribute. Dial 2-1-1  (or 800-552-1183) today, and make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

Live United™