Project Highlight: Enhancing Accessibility at Why Not Shelter

The Why Not Shelter serves as a vital support system for young individuals facing adversity in the Brantford community. The young people who attend Why Not share common traits such as living in poverty, limited contact with their parents, and unstable housing situations. Despite not being a traditional shelter, Why Not functions as a community living room, providing consistent support regardless of the number of places the youth sleep.

However, the lack of proper accessibility at Why Not Shelter presented a significant barrier for individuals with mobility impairments. Without a proper ramp, some youth faced challenges in accessing the facility, hindering their ability to seek assistance and support. Recognizing the importance of addressing these barriers, Why Not Shelter sought to enhance accessibility within their facility and partnered with our team at Abcott Construction to complete the project.

Project Scope:

The project aimed to design and build an accessible ramp that met regulatory standards while addressing the specific needs of Why Not Shelter and its visitors. Collaboration with the shelter's staff was key to ensuring that the ramp would seamlessly integrate into the existing infrastructure and provide a safe and convenient access point for individuals with mobility challenges.

The Results:

Inaccessible infrastructure and environments create barriers for individuals with disabilities, hindering their independence and inclusion. By addressing these barriers and promoting accessibility, the completion of the ramp at Why Not Shelter has not only provided equal access to essential services but also fostered a more inclusive and welcoming environment at Why Not Shelter. Abcott Construction was proud to be a part of the process.