When someone in town is in need, it’s good to know that there are plenty of organizations to help out. Recently the Mattapoisett Council on Aging, the Mattapoisett Lions Club and the Buzzards Bay Area Habitat for Humanity worked together for a local family in need of a handicap ramp for their home.

Susan Keir, the outreach coordinator for the Council got the call in the spring.

“Working with senior residents in town, I never know what the next phone call will bring,” said Keir.

When she was told of the need, Keir said she went into “how can I make this happen” mode. She contacted the Lions, who have built other ramps in the past. Keir also brought Habitat on board. The nonprofit organization is known for building new homes for low-income families, but also has a Brush With Kindness program that provides supplies and manpower to help with smaller home projects.

Chris Lyonnais of Inspect Plus, LLC of New Bedford donated his time to the project and the Friends of the Mattapoisett Council on Aging donated monies to build the ramp through a special memorial fund in honor of the late Nancy Fleming.

Bruce Rocha, Jr. of Fisher & Rocha drew up the plans for the ramp and materials were purchased from Mahoney’s Building Supply.

“This is our first project working together and it’s very exciting to see the ramp completed. The ramp will make a big difference in the recipient’s life, they will now be able to navigate in and out of the house and not be confined indoors,” said Keir. “It really does take a village!”