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Critical Repairs Caroline County serves elderly and disabled low-income residents by making needed repairs that allow them to age safely in place, according to Chris Soldano, executive director. He said the nonprofit organization is “rebuilding lives by repairing homes.”
One of the group’s main projects is providing ramps. Volunteers install mostly aluminum ramps, which are placed on a concrete block without the need for a foundation, according to President Derick Brummell, one of the co-founders. Installation takes about half a day and is done to code. The aluminum ramps can be moved to a new location when the recipient no longer needs it.
Other projects may include such things as renovating bathrooms, installing safety bars, widening doorways, and repairing floors.
CRCC works with other agencies, such as Social Services and Upper Shore Aging, to identify those in need. An application is also available on the website: criticalrepairscc.com.
CRCC rose from the remains of the Rebuilding Together group that disbanded during COVID. The need for people to be able to age safely in their homes remained, and so did the desire to help. In 2022, several of the former Rebuilding Together board members got together and decided to reorganize; so, Critical Repairs Caroline County was born.
Vice President Suze Chaffinch, another of the co-founders, said, “It was a lot of paperwork, but we wanted to continue the effort.”
Brummell said they need people with able bodies, trucks, and the know-how to use tools.
“We have wonderful volunteers,” Chaffinch said, “but we could always use more.”
CRCC is always looking for more volunteers and donations, Soldano said, adding, “We are fortunate and blessed to have some contractor help.”
To pay for the repairs, Soldano seeks grants, and he said CRCR is fortunate to have partnerships with other organizations as well as the private donations they receive.
“They range from very generous donations from groups like the Caroline Foundation, the Mid Shore Community Foundation, the United Way, the Lions Club, the Home Builders Care Fund, as well as many, many private citizens,” he said.
Donations may be sent to Critical Repairs Caroline County, PO Box 534, Denton, MD 21629.
Chaffinch said CRCC is appreciative of how supportive area nonprofits are of each other, mentioning Bill Shrieves of Bay Hundred Community Volunteers, who has been generous with his suggestions and time.
“A good example of ongoing collaboration is the Ridgely Lions Club who has donated multiple ramps for CRCC to install and to continue to use in the future. This eliminates the need for us to buy new ramps and allows us to then help more residents with the money that was saved,” Soldano said.
“These partnerships and donations are what allow CRCC to continue its mission to help residents in need stay in their homes safely for as long as possible.”
In 2022, CRCC completed 10 ramp projects. Since then, they’ve been able to expand to both ramps and interior work and now do 15-20 projects a year, Soldano said.
“I just love this organization,” Brummell said. “It’s really a blessing helping people in need.”
