Hinesburg Community Resource Center Reveals New Handicap Access
Submitted by Shannon Wheeler
The Hinesburg Community Resource Center revealed its new handicap ramp on Oct. 13 at 51 Ballard’s Corner Road, which houses HCRC headquarters and the Hinesburg Food Shelf. A group including HCRC board members and executive director, volunteers and those who worked on the ramp attended and were able to see the final product. The existing ramp was in dire need of repairs and with the help of this generous community, HCRC was able to completely replace it with a beautiful, functional ramp and new front stairs. Tremendous thanks to everyone involved. Plans were drawn by Chuck Reiss and Tom Whitney who generously provided their expertise and the vision was executed by Rocky Martin who spent his summer and donated his incredible skills leading the contracting work. Additional labor and materials were provided by: Steve & Owen Smith (SAS Architects), Wahl Landscaping, Giroux Body Shop, Rice Lumber and Hinesburg Sand and Gravel. This whole group of already extremely busy people dedicated many hours to the project. The food shelf team of volunteers seamlessly navigated months without a working ramp and did a lot of heavy lifting to make sure service was not interrupted. While the new ramp is so important to operations at the food shelf, it will also allow us to bring clients back inside during hours of operation. In the coming months, we will be getting back to how it was pre-pandemic, with a few changes including allowing a limited number of people in at one time.
HCRC is a volunteer nonprofit of neighbors helping neighbors. HCRC envisions a community where people are connected and are not in need, and includes the Hinesburg Food Shelf, an emergency financial assistance fund, Friends of Families and medical equipment lending. The food shelf, which is open on Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and Fridays 10:00 a.m.-noon, and serves Hinesburg, Huntington, Monkton and St. George, not only provides basic pantry staples but also fresh local produce, meat, dairy, personal care products, diapers, pet food and more. Clients can visit once a month for a full shopping and a second time for more fresh produce. Emergency assistance is available to residents of Hinesburg and St. George needing emergency help with utility bills, rent, car repairs, fuel fill-ups, etc. HCRC’s Friends of Families brings families together for free playgroups, an annual baby picnic and biannual clothing and book swaps. Medical equipment is available to any community member in need of items, such as wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, commodes and shower seats. HCRC is primarily volunteer-driven and we are supported by community donations, town funding, grants and by the proceeds of our thrift shop Twice is Nice. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance from HCRC, please contact Shannon Wheeler 802-482-4946 or wheeler@hinesburgresource.org.