The United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois operates the local 211 line, meaning they often get calls from people needing help connecting with resources.

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois operates the local 211 line, meaning they often get calls from people needing help connecting with resources.

James Keith, the director of community impact for United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois, noticed a gap in the number of people needing help affording wheelchair ramps and community support. 

"A ramp costs between $4,000 and $9,000 so agencies aren't able to a lot of times provide the full amount," Keith said. "So if you don't have the money, then you're a prisoner in your own home, or you no longer live in your home." 

After noticing the need, Keith found himself dealing with a wheelchair ramp. His father passed away, and he didn't know what to do with the ramp he had been using. The organization that provided his father's ramp told Keith it now belonged to him. 

At the same time, Nellieann Kotty, a Decatur resident, called United Way to see if they could connect her with a place to get a ramp. She has multiple sclerosis and chronic back pain. 

"I tried for two or three years to get a hold of churches and organizations and they just didn't have the money for it," Kotty said. "I actually priced getting a ramp and it was going to be between $3500 and $4,000. I'm on disability, I can't afford this."

Luckily, Kotty and Keith got connected, and soon Keith's ramp was in Kotty's backyard. It happened just in time, as Kotty was preparing for an upcoming surgery.

"It was everything I could've hoped for because now I can get in and out of the house easily," Kotty said. "I can hold on to the sides if I'm wobbly ... I can use my walker without needing to lift it down the stairs." 

What neither Kotty nor Keith expected was that they would become friends. The two keep in touch, and Kotty calls Keith when she needs help. 

Because of Keith and Kotty, United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois has started a program re-homing more of these ramps. In the last few months, they've helped give out four wheelchair ramps. 

For more information on the program, contact United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois at 217-422-8537 or through its website. 

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