Over the past 10 years, Cyndi Collamore has experienced ongoing physical challenges that have made it difficult for her to maintain and improve her home. Living on a fixed income and managing multiple health issues, Cyndi expressed concerns about her ability to find a sustainable, long-term solution to her challenges.
Cyndi explored options to increase accessibility to her home and initially considered installing a temporary metal ramp over her deteriorating front steps. However, after discussing the potential fall risks with her friends and family, she was open to exploring safer and more durable alternatives.
Cyndi became an Olympic Connect client and was paired with Desiree Germaine, an Olympic Connect trusted helper and Case Manager with Lutheran Community Services in Kitsap County.
“Cyndi was enrolled in Olympic Connect and we worked together on her goals,” Desiree said.
Once Desiree learned about Cyndi’s goals and needs, she started to look for resources that could help her.
Desiree recently learned about an organization called PSO Bluebills from staff at Bremerton Foodline*. PSO Bluebills is a non-profit organization with an Independent Living Program that aims to keep elderly people and people with disabilities in their homes by making homes as safe and accessible as possible.
“Cyndi was hesitant to allow PSO Bluebills into her home and wanted me to do the talking and scheduling of when they could come out and build her front porch into a ramp so she could utilize her electric wheelchair to go to and from her car easier,” Desiree said.
Desiree contacted PSO Bluebills with Cyndi’s permission, and they got her on the books right away.
“I texted John from PSO Bluebills while continuously checking in with Cyndi to ensure the dates and times were ok for them to show up. I ensured to stay communicative between all parties while the project took place,” Desiree said.
Within two months, Bluebills built a brand new, very sturdy, weather-treated wooden ramp. Cyndi is very happy with her new ramp and has since decorated it with planters and solar lights.
“I love my new ramp, I no longer fall down my stairs anymore, and that has helped me feel less anxious about going outside of my house. I appreciate the hard work from PSO Bluebills, they did such an amazing job,” Cyndi said.
With some gravel added around the ramp and through her driveway, Cyndi can now properly utilize her electric wheelchair from her home to her car and into the community.
“Cyndi sent me updated pictures with her new plants and flowers she planted around the porch as well as the new gravel surrounding the area. She let me know she would like to get her back porch replaced next. We will continue working together with PSO Bluebills to get that replaced next,” Desiree said.
Cyndi’s experience with Olympic Connect and PSO Bluebills* has helped her maintain her independence in her own home.
*PSO Bluebills accepts direct requests, dependent on volunteer labor and number of projects. You can request assistance from PSO Bluebills online here.
*Bremerton Foodline serves individuals and families across Kitsap and North Mason counties by meeting people where they are and connecting them with resources that support long-term stability and well-being. Bremerton Foodlines is an Olympic Connect referral partner.
Olympic Connect is a community-driven network of partners on the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas that supports care coordination to local resources like health care, food, financial assistance, childcare, and more. To get started, fill out the online referral form or call 360-301-8252.