For nearly two decades, a philanthropic group called Ramp Ministries has been building accessibility ramps and rails for those in need around Meridian.

The ministry group is associated with the Meridian district’s United Methodist Church organization, but has since become ecumenical, having involvement from many different Christian groups.

The volunteers have helped build more than 1,400 ramps since 1999, according to Jerry Fox, one of the founding members.

“We were already doing this type of stuff, but when the question came up about a ramp, we had to learn more about it,” Fox said. “We did one and then another one and then we did more and more each year.”

The group was started by Fox, Marvin Keeton and Rickey Ishie. Of the three, Fox is the last remaining founder still active within the group.

The work began when the pastor, Rev. Lannis May, discovered a member of the community who had limited mobility and needed help replacing their rotted steps. That led to Fox and his associates building their first project for that individual in need, located in the Zero community southeast of Meridian in rural Lauderdale County.

Since then, needs have multiplied, as there are numerous sources for the group to receive build requests.

“We get a lot of referrals from different home health agencies and rehab people,” Fox said. “I get calls from Methodist Rehab in Jackson, Anderson Rehab, Rush Rehab… we get referrals from pastors and individuals.”

The group has about 100 volunteers, with about 25 at the core of its efforts, making Fox and his team a bit “overwhelmed.”

According to Fox, they tend to do one or two projects a week through the year, only breaking for one week during the holidays.

Because the need is so great, volunteers are needed more than ever.

“What we need is volunteers and workers,” Fox said. “And they don’t need to be master carpenters.”

To volunteer or learn more, call Fox at 601-737-5325 (home), at 601-917-2284 (cell) or email J1F1O1X@aol.com.

The ministry survives with the help of volunteers and monetary donations.

For donations, call the Meridian District United Methodist Church at 601-483-6221 and specify you want to donate to Ramp Ministries.

According to Fox, the donations are tax deductible and any donation, from a few to hundreds of dollars, even building supplies, is a benefit to the cause.