PCC Rock Creek Construction Students Ramp up the Help with Local Non-profit ReFit

By David Holley, The Beaverton Valley Times

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Sam Taha lays in bed most days watching television, avoiding movement because of the pain he still feels from a stroke he had a year ago. But Taha has to make frequent trips to the doctor, a task nearly impossible for him and his 5-foot-tall wife, Fafi.

Not only is it grueling for her to help Sam Taha into his wheelchair, but they have to negotiate stairs whichever way they leave the house. Guiding a much larger man down stairs in a wheelchair is not easy, Fafi Taha said.

To bring a little respite to the Taha’s lives, a local nonprofit, ReFit, and students from construction classes at Portland Community College’s Rock Creek campus built a ramp in the family’s garage last weekend. It may not solve financial problems caused by the stroke, or rehabilitate Sam Taha so he can walk again, but this ramp will make their lives that much easier, Fafi Taha said.

“I’m thrilled!” she said. About sixteen total students from PCC spent March 6 and 7 at the Taha’s home in Beaverton. They used materials donated by Pacific Lumber to build the ramp, which the students designed themselves. A construction professional, typically a member of ReFit, was with the students at all times, advising them on their work.

Debbie Anderson, a director on ReFit’s board, said the organization’s goal is to keep people with disabilities in their homes by refitting the homes to their needs. She said this project works out perfectly, because the PCC students produce a free, quality product for the family and the students also learn about construction.

“It gives them a learning opportunity, and a way to get involved in the community as well,” Anderson said.

Peter Field, a student in the PCC building construction program, said working on this project has been a great experience. It’s not only gratifying to help a family in need, he said, but he also gains real construction knowledge. “That’s the thing that makes the program so great: We do all hands-on work,” Field said. Stephanie Lugan agreed.

A student in her second quarter of the building construction technology program, she wants to eventually get into design. But on March 6, her only goal was to help build the ramp. “It’s feel-good work and it’s practice,” Lugan said.

ReFit does more than just ramps. The organization, which was founded in 1997, is made up of the heads of various local construction and remodeling companies. They work to raise money so that they can help people in need with various housing remodels, from expanding doorways to revamping entire rooms.

Fafi Taha found ReFit by contacting Washington County during her constant search for help for her husband. The new ramp comes at a time when the Taha’s haven’t had much going their way. When Sam Taha, 58, had the stroke in March 2008, they didn’t have insurance. After being left paralyzed, he couldn’t work and Fafi Taha was forced to quit her job to care for him. Now, when she’s not caring for her husband, Fafi Taha spends most of her time negotiating public health care programs and trying to get her husband into rehabilitation. “I’m just living day by day,” said Fafi Taha.