Empowering independent living in Farmington, MO

According to The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University (JCHS), 6.8 million U.S. households report difficulties navigating or using their homes due to accessibility challenges.

Among the most common issues? Simply entering the home. For example, residents with wheelchairs or walkers may not be able to go up and down stairs without assistance, creating a significant challenge completing tasks of daily life.  

Organizations like Farmington, Missouri-based LIFE Inc. Center for Independent Living aim to solve that problem.  

Spire volunteers used their Day for Good—part of Spire’s volunteer initiative that provides each Spire employee with eight hours of paid time off to volunteer—working in the community with the LIFE Inc. Center.

The group removed an old deck and replaced it with a wheelchair ramp for a local resident.  

Using their expertise in the skilled trades, this crew helped a Farmington neighbor live independently and with dignity.