Before Pete Adler enlisted in the Army, he majored in architecture. Now, after spending 25 years in equipment maintenance and supply, and another 17 years as a civilian employee, Adler is back to his architectural roots.
And it’s for a good cause: Building free ramps for his senior and disabled neighbors.
Adler began helping his neighbors after the nonprofit project:HOMES gave a presentation at his local Rotary Club.
In an interview with Woman’s World, Adler recalls the representative saying: “Too many seniors and disabled individuals need ramps, but they can’t afford them.”
That’s when Adler reached out to his clergy so that they could start building ramps for neighbors in need.
“I feel this is my calling, and I’d like to start a crew,” he told fellow church member Karen Scott, who was eager to jump in and help.
Adler’s group of volunteers has only grown with time. Now when he pulls up to a house for an installation, he has about a dozen people by his side to haul lumber, work the saws, and assemble the deck.
“It’s turned into an amazing ministry of service,” Adler said. “I really enjoy the process and the teamwork, and figuring out the best solution for people in need.”
When a recipient can afford it, they are only charged with the cost of the materials. If they need help covering the cost, project:HOMES steps in to pay the full price (around $2,000).
Pete and one of his neighbors on a newly finished deck. Image via project:HOMES.
In their 2024 impact report, project:HOMES devoted a full-page spread to “Pete the Ramp Champ” and his achievements.
“Adler and his team of volunteers from Grace Lutheran Church have transformed lives by building over 500 accessibility ramps for households in need,” the nonprofit wrote.
“Lieutenant Colonel Adler has gone from building one ramp per weekend to completing three, sometimes four ramps each week across the Tri-Cities area.”
71-year-old Jaunita Barnes is one of the 500 neighbors that Adler has helped through project:HOMES.
After a stroke and heart attack, Barnes found it difficult to navigate the stairs with her walker.
She was confined to her home for months — getting groceries delivered and calling doctors to her door — until Adler and his team swooped in to help.
“Now I can go where I need to go,” Barnes said. “Pete and the others were a true blessing.”
Header images via project:HOMES
This article was originally published on 2/15/2025
