Local nonprofit Rebuilding Together Twin Cities was on track to build 15 ramps at low-income people's homes this year. But without its trailer, which was stolen last month, the group might be forced to slow down.
The organization works with low-income homeowners to make house repairs, and its trailer was stolen from behind its offices at 1050 33rd Av. SE. in Minneapolis over the April 22 weekend.
The trailer was primarily used by the group's "ramp team," said Tony Sjogren, program director for Rebuilding Together Twin Cities. The group builds ramps to allow people safe access to their homes.
The group was scheduled to build five ramps in April and May and an additional 10 through the rest of the year, but the loss of the trailer might delay the process, Sjogren said.
Constructing the ramps without the trailer will be challenging because of the extra time it will take to move equipment and building supplies to the homes, he said.
Sjogren said he filed a police report, but doesn't have high hopes of having the trailer returned since it's likely already been scrapped or resold. He said the trailer's hitch and wheels were locked when it was stolen.
"The probability of seeing or hearing anything of it is slim to none," he said.
Rebuilding Together Twin Cities received the trailer's base two years ago as a donation, and last April, the organization gathered the extra supplies to finish construction.
Sjogren said the extra supplies totaled $500, so replacing the trailer would cost at least $1,000. But the organization is trying to raise $5,000 so it can buy a covered trailer, which would allow volunteers to store their tools and equipment while on the job and would make moving from one work site to another easier.
"Having all of that ready to go, it makes our job much easier and much more effective," he said.
Rebuilding Together Twin Cities officially created its ramp crew five years ago. The group, initially made up of retired Honeywell plant engineers, has constructed more than 30 ramps.
"It's been a social engagement as much as anything," Sjogren said. "It brings people together."
Haley Hansen is a University of Minnesota student on assignment for the Star Tribune.
