WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — A local effort is helping people across Texoma safely get in and out of their homes. The Texas Ramp Project is teaming up with volunteers, including members from Sheppard Air Force Base, to build wheelchair ramps at no cost.
With tools and teamwork, these volunteers are building more than just a ramp.
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“I’m telling you; I’ve had many people have tearful thank yous, because they know they’re finally going to get out of their house safely,” Steven Ulrick, a volunteer with the Texas Ramp Project, said.
These volunteers are working across Texoma to give people something many take for granted, safe access to and from their homes.
“The policy for Texas Ramp Project is to provide access to low-income individuals who are in their house and do not have safe access. So, we want to make sure that they do not get injured leaving their home. It’s also for small children,” Ulrick said.
For Ulrick, the mission is personal. As a retired veteran, he now helps lead ramp builds throughout Wichita Falls and surrounding areas, often completing multiple each week, all at no cost for recipients.
“They contact their health care provider, their health care provider contacts the home office in Richardson, and then they contact me, and I go out and design the ramp, cut all the materials, and I build the ramp,” Ulrick said.
And he’s not alone. Groups from Sheppard Air Force Base, including aircraft maintenance teams, are stepping in to help.
“It helps them out in their daily life. We’ve all had people in our families that needed this stuff. It’d be nice to go to lend a hand. So, giving back, helping some people that maybe don’t have that luxury in their life feels pretty good to be able to get out here and do that,” Sgt. Robert Caldwell, Instructor Supervisor, said.
Ulrick said the need continues to grow.
“Last year, we built 67 ramps. So, there is always a big need. Right now, this week, I’m building two ramps. Next week I’m building three ramps. And I’ve got a total of nine altogether for next couple of months,” Ulrick said. “So, there is quite a need, a continuous need for handicap accessibility in the Wichita Falls area and surrounding counties.”
A small gesture that represents a much bigger change, independence.
Again, the ramps are built at no cost to recipients, with funding and labor fully supported through volunteers and donations. If you’d like to donate or volunteer: The Texas Ramp Project.
by: Tyshin Dawson, KFDX/KJTL, March 18, 2026