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Power of social media assists Kansas City man in need

Posted at 3:59 PM, Aug 23, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-23 18:41:08-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Arthur Buford, 68, has lived in his Kansas City home on Chestnut Avenue for more than 20 years. 

"There's a lot of things I can't do like I used to," Buford said. "I can't even change a light bulb."

Buford uses a wheelchair and is blind in his right eye, saying people have taken advantage of his disadvantage. 

"I send people to go get my food, and they don't come back," Buford said. "It's scary...but God is there, He makes a way."

The wheelchair ramp to his home has been more of a problem than a help.

"Going up the ramps, some of the boards is like warped and kind of throw me around and sometimes I have to turn around backwards to go up the ramp and I almost slid off a couple of times," Buford said. 

Buford connected with State Rep. Brandon Ellington, asking for assistance.

That's when Ellington went to Facebook.

"So I put on social media that I needed some assistance and some help," Ellington said. 

Within minutes, an organization called The Whole Person reached out and offered assistance. 

"I reached out to him immediately to let him know that we have services that'll help his constituents stay in his home, safely," said The Whole Person Public Policy Coordinator Michael Riley. 

"It's a program that helps people with disabilities with accessibility," said The Whole Person ADA Home Modification Coordinator Ron Bibbs. "We do wheelchair ramps, grab bars, stair lifts, chair lifts and bathroom renovations." 

Within the next 30 days, Buford will get a new ramp for his home.

Buford said he's thankful. 

"Good people," Buford said. "Nobody take time out for me, but it feels good to know, somebody do care."

If you'd like to learn more on how you can help, you can contact Rep. Ellington via Facebook or email Brandon.Ellington@house.mo.gov