Homeowner Accessibility Services

Who is Yachad?

Yachad is a Jewish nonprofit housing and community development organization based in the District of Columbia. Our services are provided to everyone regardless of religion, race, gender or sexual orientation. We repair single family homes and work on community and commercial development projects throughout the year. We also have a program in the summer that builds accessibility ramps for people with disabilities. We do this work at no cost to the homeowner.

Why does Yachad do this work?

Jewish tradition teaches that the world is not complete - there is still much to do in each generation to make improvements. It is up to each of us to repair the world. Yachad provides people with the opportunity to engage in meaningful and substantial community service by helping meet the housing needs of lower-income homeowners.

How can we help you?

If you are a homeowner who needs an accessibility ramp built at your home for yourself or a family member, please fill out an application. We base our services on financial need and work with homeowners who do not have the resources to pay for the costly construction of a ramp. We ask for proof of homeownership and current property tax records. If you are a long-term renter, we may be able to assist you if the landlord provides his permission for the construction.

After we receive your application, Yachad staff will schedule an appointment to meet with you and determine whether an accessibility ramp is the appropriate home modification. If your application is accepted you will have to provide us with a location or plat survey of your home and your assistance when applying for the construction permit.

How does Yachad do its work ?

Yachad is supported by private donations from individuals and foundations. We also receive grants from partner organizations to support our worthwhile projects. Most of our work is done by Jewish volunteers, both skilled and unskilled. Our ramp building program is done under the supervision of a licensed and bonded contractor. The actual work is done by high school students during the course of one summer week. The program is called Ramp It Up! and was started in 2004.