Damian’s Ladder: Low and No-Cost Home Repairs for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities
Founded in 2023, Damian’s Ladder is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities in the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley. By providing free or low-cost home repairs and modifications, the organization helps residents live safely and comfortably in their homes for as long as possible. Established in memory of Damian Lanctot (1983–2022), a compassionate individual known for his selflessness, Damian’s Ladder carries forward his legacy of caring for others.
Addressing a Critical Need
As people age or face physical limitations, maintaining a home can become challenging or even impossible, particularly for those on fixed incomes. Minor repairs and safety modifications often go unaddressed, compromising safety and quality of life. Damian’s Ladder bridges this gap by offering skilled handyman services tailored to the needs of its clients, ensuring their homes remain functional and secure.
Services Offered
Damian’s Ladder provides a wide range of minor home repair and modification services, including:
- Caulking; weather resistance applications
- Change/install locks and deadbolts.
- Fix doors – doors that squeak or don’t latch, doors that catch, loose hinges.
- Fix toilets
- Garage doors – reprogram remotes
- General electrical repairs – check or replace bad outlets and switches, reset breakers
- Install faucets
- Install grab bars
- Install handrails
- Install/remove window air conditioning units
- Minor cabinet repairs – hinges, knobs
- Minor concrete patches and repairs
- Minor drywall repairs – holes (no cracks) no larger than 2 ft. x 2 ft.
- Minor fence repairs
- Repair/replace garbage disposals
- Replace light fixtures and fans
- Replace and/or reprogram thermostats
- Repair and/or hang screens in doors and windows, storm doors & windows
- Replace doorbell chimes (interior and exterior)
- Replace dryer hoses/clean vents
- Unclog sinks/traps
- Weather-stripping
- Assemble furniture – desks, TV cabinets, etc.
- Change light bulbs
- Change toilet seats
- Flip and/or rotate mattresses
- Hang pictures, bird feeders and mirrors
- Move boxes – up to 10 boxes and no more than 50 lbs/per box
- Hook up electronics – TVs, radios, set clocks, etc
- Install shelves
- Move furniture (up to the discretion of the lead handyman and/or the Damians Ladder scheduler)
- Replace batteries in smoke detectors and thermostats
- Replace furnace filters
- Touch up painting
A Commitment to Care
According to president Colly Gruczelak, these small but essential repairs and updates are completed quickly, efficiently, and with care. The organization’s skilled handymen prioritize the safety and comfort of clients, ensuring every job is done with precision and respect. “Weknow what we do makes a difference; that’s why we do it,” Colly said.
Receive Services
To apply for services or learn more, visit damiansladder.org or call 831-200-1376. Share this resource with community members who could benefit from Damian’s Ladder’s services, and help honor Damian Lanctot’s legacy by supporting those in need.
Support Damian’s Ladder
To donate to the nonprofit, visit damiansladder.org. If you would like to assist senior and disabled members of the community and have time and skills that could make a difference, email Damian’s Ladder at atyourservice@damiansladder.org
The San Lorenzo Valley Post is your essential guide to life in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We're dedicated to delivering the latest news, events, and stories that matter to our community. From local government to schools, from environmental issues to the arts, we're committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased coverage. We believe in the power of community journalism and strive to be a platform for diverse voices.
