As Rampathon 2026 winds down it’s a good time to reflect on MBAKS’ long-running involvement in this program and the positive impact it has, not just on the people we help, but our members as well.
Since 1993, Rampathon has brought together MBAKS volunteers to build more than 650 free accessibility ramps for neighbors across King and Snohomish counties.
A Tradition of Support
Among the many partners who help make Rampathon possible, Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King and Kittitas Counties stands out for its deep commitment to long-term housing stability. Since its founding in 1986, Habitat SKKC has constructed or renovated 500 homes and completed more than 700 home repairs benefitting more than 3,000 people.
The Habitat SKKC repair team has been part of Rampathon since 2018, and according to Kait Heacock, Habitat SKKC communications manager, it is one of their favorite times of the year. “Everyone pitches in to make these ramps happen,” Heacock said. “We have seen firsthand how life-changing these accessibility modifications can be for our homeowners and love being a part of the program.” This year, Habitat SKKC is building four ramps as part of the program located across Kent, Renton, Auburn, and Federal Way.
A Helper Who Needed Help
One of Habitat SKKC’s most memorable stories from this year is about a longtime Pacific Northwest resident named Lawrence who moved here in 1978 from Ohio. Now retired, Lawrence spends much of his time helping friends and family with things like car repairs, electrical work (he used to install telephone service), plumbing, drywall, and household projects. Not to mention he is also known to whip up a variety of cakes (rum, orange liqueur, piña colada, banana split) from his basement bakery.
Unfortunately, ongoing issues with one of his knees had made it difficult for Lawrence to walk up and down stairs and maintain his balance. It was starting to interfere with his active (and helpful) lifestyle, and even accessing his front door had become a challenge. Although he had visited Habitat stores for years to buy materials for his projects, he had never used Habitat SKKC’s repair services until recently. When he reached out, the repair team quickly determined that a ramp would significantly improve Lawrence’s safety and independence.
The ramp construction took approximately two weeks. Along the way the team also completed additional repairs, including replacing leaking plumbing and rebuilding worn deck boards and front steps. Lawrence knew the repairs were difficult and that he could not safely tackle them alone but, true to form, he stayed as involved as he could, assisting with parts of the project and preparing barbecue, salads, and cakes (of course) for the repair team to help say “thank you.”
With the work completed, Lawrence reports that the improvements have reduced his stress and made his home far more accessible. He also sees the repairs as beneficial not only for himself but for friends and neighbors who have difficulty using stairs. “The ramp has made me feel a lot more comfortable when people come to visit,” he said.
Stories like Lawrence’s really bring home why MBAKS is so committed to Rampathon and why volunteering can be so meaningful for our members. An accessibility ramp might seem like a very simple solution, but it can make a huge difference helping someone remain in their home, supporting them if they have mobility challenges, removing barriers that might keep them isolated, and providing peace of mind for families. It’s the sort of impact that really reflects the values that drive MBAKS members: service, craftsmanship, and a commitment to strengthening the communities where we live.
Building a Lasting Impact
As we wrap up Rampathon 2026, we want to thank all of the volunteer builder members and Signature Sponsor, Dunn Lumber, who make it possible. MBAKS looks forward to continuing its partnership with Habitat SKKC and many other organizations as we build on the momentum of 2026. We know the work will be challenging, but also rewarding. Not every day can be sunny, especially around here. But as Lawrence says, “When people say, ‘The sun’s not shining,’ I tell them the sun’s shining every day if you look past the clouds. That’s what life is about.”
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