Experience Volunteerism with Somerset County's Handyman Program

For over 30 years, local volunteers from Somerset County’s Handyman Program have dedicated countless hours of manual labor to provide independence for elderly and disabled residents throughout Somerset County.

The volunteer program, which consists of men and women, offers small interior household repairs that focus on keeping people safe in their homes. The program offers many services, including: installing grab bars, replacing smoke detectors, installing or removing air conditioners, small plumbing, electrical repairs, and more. 

Some Handyman Program volunteers also participate in the Wheelchair Ramp Construction Team to build ramps for people who are permanently wheelchair bound.

Members of the Handyman Program work to install a large accessibility ramp at a resident’s home in Franklin.

“It is reassuring to know that the volunteers through our Somerset County Handyman Program are giving residents their personal freedoms back,” said Commissioner Paul Drake. "Losing the ability to go outside your home is not something that any resident should be forced to accept. With every ramp project completed, the burden of excessive labor costs and isolation is lifted off the back of another family. That freedom allows residents to spend time outdoors, visit loved ones, and stay connected to the things they enjoy. The entire Board of Commissioners is so grateful to these dedicated, thoughtful, skilled countywide volunteers."

Although residents are expected to pay for supplies, the cost of volunteer labor is completely free.

“Getting a metal ramp from a private company can cost $10,000 or more. People can’t always afford that,” said Somerset County Volunteer Services Director Laurie Roome. “We do ask, if they’re able to, to pay for the price of materials that we use. But, if they can’t afford that, our program and other donations will cover the cost. Our ramps are built with high - quality materials and by expert craftspersons. Some residents have been trapped in their houses, so they can’t get out to visit a doctor or attend a family event. These ramps not only mean safety, but actually represent freedom.”

“Some of our volunteers have carpentry backgrounds and some of them were CEO’s, IT specialists, or dentists. They come from all walks of life, but they all love giving back,” said Roome. “You don’t really need to have any experience to be part of our programs.”

Bill Bollwage, a resident of Bridgewater and 15-year veteran of the Handyman Program, said that a willingness to help your neighbor is the main requirement for getting involved.

“You don’t need to know everything, so no one should hesitate to get involved,” said Bollwage. “You can come here and pick up skills as you go along. When you get to see one of the residents come out of their house for the first time in over a year, it makes you feel good. It gets emotional for the homeowner. We’ve had a couple of people break down in tears. They get to see their neighbors and now they can just come out and enjoy the weather.”

To volunteer or to receive assistance from the program: call (908) 541-5715 or email VolunteerSvs@co.somerset.nj.us.

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About Somerset County

The County of Somerset is committed to excellence and innovation in public service, promoting the well-being of all residents and communities by providing effective, efficient, and responsive leadership.

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