For one Kansas City resident, leaving home had become unsafe.
A deteriorating wooden ramp made it difficult to exit the house, even with help. Each trip outside came with risk, not just for the individual, but for the caregivers assisting them.
What was once a solution had become a barrier.
At The Whole Person, this is exactly the kind of challenge the Home Modifications team is here to solve.
Identifying the Need
The existing wooden ramp had worn down over time to the point where it was no longer safe or reliable.
This created serious concerns:
- Limited ability to safely leave the home
- Increased risk of falls or injury
- Safety concerns for caregivers providing assistance
Access to your home is the foundation of independence. Without it, everything else becomes harder.
Before and After
Before:
- Unsafe, deteriorating wooden ramp
- Limited ability to exit the home safely
- Increased risk for both resident and caregivers
After:
- Durable aluminum ramp
- Safe, reliable access in and out of the home
- Restored confidence and independence
The difference is immediate. What was once a hazard is now a safe, accessible entrance.
A Collaborative Effort
The Home Modifications team worked together to assess the situation and deliver a long-term solution. The team includes five staff members from TWP’s CIL Core Services, Show Me Home, Housing, Consumer Benefits, and Grants Program departments.
Together, they:
- Evaluated the home’s accessibility and safety
- Selected a qualified contractor
- Coordinated approvals with the City of Kansas City, Missouri
- Secured internal approval from leadership
- Provided oversight from start to finish
A Durable, Long-Term Solution
The team coordinated the installation of a new aluminum ramp, designed to provide:
- Long-term durability
- Increased safety for both the resident and caregivers
- Reliable access in all conditions
This upgrade ensures the individual can safely enter and exit their home, restoring a critical level of independence.
Community Partnership in Action
This project was made possible through strong collaboration with local partners.
City staff had long recognized the safety risk posed by the deteriorating ramp. Seeing it replaced with a safe, durable solution represents a meaningful improvement for the resident and the surrounding community.
Supporting Access Through Funding
The Whole Person’s Home Modifications program is supported through funding that makes projects like this possible.
Current funding includes:
- Three Community Development Block Grants through Kansas City, Missouri’s Housing and Community Development Department, totaling $285,000.
- A $65,000 grant from the Spanos fund managed by the National Fair Housing Alliance.
These investments are not just numbers. They translate directly into safer homes, greater independence, and real change for people in our community.
Why Home Modifications Matter
Home modifications are about more than construction.
They are about:
- Safety
- Access
- Independence
- Quality of life
For many individuals, a single modification can mean the difference between staying at home or facing more restrictive living options.
Need Help with Home Accessibility?
If you or someone you know is facing accessibility challenges at home, whether exterior (ramp, railings) or interior (door widening, no-barrier shower), support may be available.
As a Center for Independent Living, The Whole Person helps individuals identify needs, explore options, and navigate available resources.
Contact The Whole Person
Visit us at: 3710 Main Street Kansas City, MO 64111
Give us a call at: (816) 561-0304
Fill out our form on our Contact Us page
Moving Forward
Safe access should never be a barrier to independence.
At The Whole Person, the Home Modifications team continues to deliver solutions that make everyday life safer and more accessible.
Because everyone deserves to enter and leave their home with confidence.
