For middle-aged resident Joseph, navigating his home safely and enjoying his own property recently required overcoming a major physical barrier. Joseph, who has tetraplegia, could reach his back door, but the lack of a ramp left him completely cut off from his backyard and without a direct emergency exit from his living area. This past weekend, a volunteer crew from Shirey Home Pro, a dedicated builder member participating in Rampathon for over 20 years, constructed a custom accessibility ramp at his North Bend home, delivering a vital safety route and restoring his outdoor freedom.
The new ramp creates a much-needed, direct emergency escape route from Joseph’s bedroom area straight to the outside, resolving a critical safety vulnerability. Beyond the essential security it provides, the build opens up a whole new chapter for his daily life. For the first time in years, Joseph can independently access his outdoor space again, allowing him to easily head outside to play with his dog Stella, host barbecues, and comfortably enjoy the Pacific Northwest outdoors with friends. “Just being able to access my backyard like anyone else is able to brings another level of independence back that I didn’t have before, you can’t put a price on that,” said Joseph. “The ramp is beyond awesome. I’m extremely grateful for having an emergency exit now, and I’m so excited to roll out there to hang out, throw the toy for my dog Stella, and BBQ on the grill this summer.”
Each year from April to July, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) organizes Rampathon, where builder members and community volunteers dedicate their time, skills, and resources to build free wheelchair access ramps for neighbors across King and Snohomish counties. Ramp recipients include individuals with limited mobility, people recovering from accidents, or those living with lifelong physical conditions. The program is built on the belief that everyone deserves safe access to their home and community, utilizing the expertise of volunteer builder members to design solutions that restore true safety and independence.
This life-changing work is made possible through the generous support of community partners. MBAKS extends a special thank you to Rampathon’s signature sponsor, Dunn Lumber, whose long-standing commitment and donation of essential building materials ensure that volunteer crews have the high-quality resources necessary to construct safe, durable, and reliable ramps for local neighbors.
According to a 2024 study on the cost of home accessibility modifications published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a privately built accessibility ramp can cost a homeowner $16,750, a price that can be a massive barrier for many individuals and families. Driven by a commitment to local philanthropy, veteran crews like Shirey Home Pro donate 100% of the labor and time required to make these transformations a reality.
“I love being able to hear the direct, personal impact we can create with our builder members’ support through our annual program, Rampathon,” said Charlene Lam, Community Stewardship Specialist at the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties. “Since 1993, our members have constructed more than 650 ramps, giving individuals and families new freedom and the ability to move safely in and out of their homes. Knowing that veteran members like Shirey Home Pro can step up after two decades of service to give Joseph his independence and peace of mind back is exactly why this community comes together.”
“Rampathon has always been something very personal to our team, and once again our office staff and field carpenters showed up in an incredible way,” said Jon Elkins, Owner of Shirey Home Pro. “This year’s project came with one of the biggest challenges we’ve ever faced, nonstop stormy weather sitting directly over the site. We had to tarp the entire work area just to finish safely in a single day. It tested all of us, but nobody quit. At the very end, the rain cleared, the sun broke through, and we pulled the tarps down to take a final photo with Joseph and his dog Stella. Knowing this ramp gives Joseph a safe emergency exit and restores access to his backyard made every minute worth it. That’s what Rampathon is really about, neighbors helping neighbors.”
When the final details were completed, the positive impact on Joseph’s safety and autonomy was felt immediately. Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties and Shirey Home Pro expanded community accessibility, removing physical barriers to create meaningful social impact right where it matters most.
Applications and community notifications for the 2027 Rampathon program cycle will become available next year. Homeowners in need of accessibility assistance, or community members looking to share the program with a neighbor, can sign up for updates by emailing [email protected], and learn more about the program by visiting mbaks.com/rampathon.
About the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) Founded in 1909, the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS) is the nation’s oldest and largest local housing association. Serving the Pacific Northwest residential construction industry, MBAKS represents homebuilders, remodelers, tradespeople, and affiliated professionals. The association is dedicated to promoting exceptional craftsmanship, sustainable building practices, and vibrant communities, while providing philanthropic leadership through stewardship programs like Rampathon and Planting a Better Tomorrow.
About Shirey Home Pro Shirey Home Pro is a Pacific Northwest remodeling and home repair company built on the belief that homeowners deserve a long-term relationship with a trusted contractor. Serving communities throughout the greater Seattle region, Shirey Home Pro specializes in residential remodeling, repairs, accessibility solutions, and ongoing home maintenance with a strong focus on craftsmanship, communication, and customer care. Founded on family values and decades of construction experience, Shirey Home Pro is committed to improving lives through both quality construction and community service. The company has proudly participated in MBAKS Rampathon for more than 20 years, donating time, labor, and expertise to help local neighbors regain safety, independence, and accessibility in their homes. Learn more at www.shireyhomepro.com.
[Information provided by the Master Builders Association]
