Our Mission:
Safe Stair Lift Assistance for Veterans
Every veteran deserves to feel safe, independent, and comfortable at home. For many disabled veterans and aging service members, stairs become one of the greatest hazards inside the home. A professionally installed stair lift restores safe access to every level of the house while helping veterans remain independent for years to come. Falls remain a significant safety concern for older adults, and reducing household fall risks is a key part of maintaining independence. VA Health Library
Stair Lift for Vets Was Founded With a Simple Mission
“To provide freedom and mobility to veterans in need.”
Through Stair Lift for Vets, we use decades of elevator-industry experience to help those who protected our freedom regain the safety, independence, and mobility they deserve at home.
Ryan Alvarez | Founder of Stair Lift for Vets, St. Paul, Minnesota
Proud Partners
Learn how our incredible sponsors, businesses, and community organizations help us provide stair lifts to veterans across America.
Meet Our Team
Our licensed professionals and volunteers are passionate about restoring independence to veterans through safe stair lift installations.
How Donations Create Impact
Your donation directly funds stair lift transportation, installation, repairs, and support for veterans in need.
Our Story: How Stair Lift for Vets Began
Harry, a military veteran, called me for help. He feared he would have to leave his home because he could no longer use the stairs safely. A new stair lift cost more than he could afford. Although we offered the largest discount available, it was still beyond his limited budget. For two months, Harry called each week asking whether there was another way to lower the price. As a veteran who had proudly served and protected others, asking for help was difficult for him. He desperately wanted to remain at home, but I could not yet provide an affordable solution.
After several weeks without hearing from him, I began to wonder what had happened. His wife, Margaret, then called to tell me that Harry had fallen down the stairs. His doctor would not allow him to return home until a stair lift was installed, but a new unit remained unaffordable.
That situation led me to search for a used stair lift for Harry. Another customer no longer needed his stair lift after his wife passed away. I asked whether he would donate it to a veteran in need. As a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, he was happy to help Harry.
We removed, reconditioned, and reinstalled the donated stair lift, charging Harry only for labor. Because of that generous donation, Harry was able to return home safely to his wife. We were honored to help him regain the mobility and independence he needed.
Harry’s story showed us what donated stair lifts could make possible. More veterans began asking whether we could connect them with donated equipment. The growing demand inspired us to establish Stair Lift for Vets as a nonprofit dedicated to refurbishing donated stair lifts and expanding safe mobility for veterans.
Demand grew beyond Minnesota as stair lift donations became available across the United States. We expanded our pickup locations and partner coverage to serve veterans in additional states. The program continues to grow, and we currently install an average of one to three stair lifts per week.
Strict licensing and permitting requirements create an important responsibility. In Minnesota, stair lift removal and installation work must comply with applicable licensing, permitting, inspection, and elevator-code requirements. Our installation partner, Star Lift LLC, brings decades of licensed elevator-industry experience to this work.
Many people hope to remain in their own homes for as long as possible. By providing donated stair lifts to eligible elderly, disabled, or wounded veterans, we help them remain at home safely, independently, and comfortably with their families.
Today’s technology offers effective solutions for people who have difficulty using stairs. Stair Lift for Vets helps bring those solutions to veterans in need. We are honored to serve those who served us.
Who qualifies for a donated stair lift through Stair Lift for Vets?
Stair Lift for Vets helps eligible veterans who need a stair lift to safely access every level of their home. Each application is reviewed individually based on mobility needs, home accessibility, and the availability of donated equipment. If you or a loved one needs assistance, visit our Veteran Application page to learn more.
How does the stair lift donation program work?
We collect donated stair lifts from homeowners, professionally remove and inspect them, refurbish qualifying units, and install them for veterans who need safe access throughout their homes. Every donated stair lift can help another veteran remain independent and avoid an unnecessary move.
Are donated stair lifts safe?
Yes. Donated stair lifts are evaluated for condition and suitability. Units selected for reuse are reconditioned and inspected before installation. Star Lift LLC, our licensed installation partner, performs removal, reconditioning, installation, repairs, and service. Equipment that does not meet safety and functional standards is not installed.
Can I donate my stair lift if it is no longer needed?
Absolutely. If your stair lift is no longer being used, donating it can make a life-changing difference for a veteran in need. We accept many straight stair lifts and evaluate each donation based on its condition, manufacturer, and location.
Do you install stair lifts outside of Minnesota?
Yes. Stair Lift for Vets works with veterans, donors, and community partners in Minnesota and selected service areas around Chicago, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. Availability depends on location, equipment, funding, and installation-partner capacity.
Why are stair lifts important for veterans?
Many veterans experience mobility challenges because of age, injuries, or service-connected disabilities. A stair lift reduces the risk of falls, improves independence, and helps veterans continue living safely in the homes they love.
How can I support Stair Lift for Vets?
You can donate a stair lift, make a financial contribution, volunteer your time, or become one of our community partners. Every contribution helps us reach more veterans across the country.
Who installs the stair lifts?
Stair Lift for Vets partners with Star Lift LLC to perform stair lift removals, reconditioning, installations, repairs, and service. Licensed technicians complete the work in accordance with applicable local and state requirements.
Can businesses or organizations partner with Stair Lift for Vets?
Yes. We welcome partnerships with businesses, veteran organizations, healthcare providers, and community groups that want to support veterans through sponsorships, referrals, or equipment donations. Together, we can help more veterans stay safe at home. Visit our Proud Partners page to learn more.
Why should veterans choose Stair Lift for Vets?
Stair Lift for Vets is a veteran-focused nonprofit that expands access to affordable mobility solutions through donated equipment and community support. Our mission is to reduce fall risks, restore independence, and honor those who served by helping them remain safely at home.
Help a Veteran Stay Home Safely
Apply for assistance, donate a stair lift, volunteer, or help fund the next installation.