Ensuring Home Saftey with

Stair Lift for Vets

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

Portrait of Ryan, Founder and Executive Director of Stair Lift For Vets nonprofit.

STAIRLIFT FOR VETS WAS FOUNDED WITH A SIMPLE MISSION IN MIND…

“To Provide Freedom and Mobility to Those in Need.”

Through STAIR LIFT FOR VETS, we use our decades of elevator experience to ensure that those who served this country to protect our freedom, have the freedom they deserve at home.

Ryan Alvarez | Founder of Stairlift For Vets, St. Paul, MN

 

 

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.

 

 

Impact Investing

Your donation directly funds stair lift transportation, installation, repairs, and support for veterans in need

OUR STORY:

Harry, a military veteran, called me for help. He was concerned he’d have to move out of his home unless he had a stairlift. The cost of a new stairlift was more than he could afford. At the time, we only had new lifts available, and we offered him a discount, but on his limited budget it was still too expensive. He called me every week for two months asking for help with pricing. As a veteran who was proud of his military mission to serve and protect others, I could tell it was very difficult for him to ask for help for himself. It was obvious he was desperate to remain in his home, and upset with his lack of mobility. But new lifts were not in his budget even with the best discount I could provide. It was very upsetting to me that I was unable to help this man.

I did not hear from him for a few weeks, and began to wonder what happened. His wife, Margaret, called to tell me that Harry fell down the stairs. The doctor’s orders were that he could not return home unless they had a stairlift installed. But the cost of a new stairlift was still too prohibitive.

This prompted me to consider how I might find a used stairlift for Harry. I learned from a customer that his wife (who needed the stairlift) had passed. I asked him if he would be willing to donate his lift to a veteran in need. This customer was an accomplished World War II and Korean War veteran himself and was very happy to donate it to Harry.

We removed it and reinstalled it, charging Harry only the labor cost. Because of the kind donation, Harry was able to return to his home. We were honored to be able to help Harry get the mobility equipment he needed to safely return home to his wife.

Stairlifts for Veterans: Our Mission to Help Veterans Stay Safe at Home

Harry’s story opened our eyes to the possibilities of donated stairlifts.  We continued to have veterans call for us to connect them with donated lifts.  The demand increased and inspired us to create StairLift for Vets as a business of refurbishing used and donated stairlifts to support our veterans.

The demand has grown quickly, and we learned of donations being offered not only in Minnesota, but across the United States.  It was necessary for us to extend our pickup locations to serve our veterans in other states.  The program continues to expand and grow.  We currently install an average of 1-3 stairlifts per week.

We saw a need in the marketplace that was unfilled because of strict licensing and permitting requirements.  Minnesota state code requires that anyone uninstalling or installing stairlifts must have an elevator license to be permitted and inspected to elevator code.  We started as an elevator company and have decades of licensed experience.

Staying in your own home as long as possible is the goal of everyone.  Because we can supply donated stairlifts to elderly, disabled, or wounded veterans, they are able to remain in their homes, maintaining independence living comfortably with their families.

 

Today’s technology offers excellent solutions to the difficulty of managing stairs.  Now, StairLift for Vets is here to provide those solutions to our valued Warriors.  We are honored to be of service to those who served us.

Who qualifies for a donated stair lift through StairLift for Vets?

StairLift for Vets helps eligible veterans who need a stair lift to safely access all levels 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 to their homes. Every donated stair lift helps another veteran remain independent and avoid unnecessary relocation.

Are donated stair lifts safe?

S.E.I. is an independent, third-party elevator inspection company. Every reconditioned unit sold by Star Lift must pass their rigorous 27-point functional inspection before it ever reaches your home. Units that don't pass don't ship. Period.

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 condition, manufacturer, and location.

Do you install stair lifts outside of Minnesota?

Yes. StairLift for Vets has expanded beyond Minnesota and now works with veterans, donors, and community partners throughout Chicago, Wisconsin, Detroit, St. Louis, Pitsburgh, and Philadelphia. Our growing network allows us to help more veterans remain safely in their homes.

Why are stair lifts important for veterans?

Many veterans experience mobility challenges due to age, injuries, or service-connected disabilities. A stair lift reduces the risk of falls, improves independence, and allows veterans to continue living safely in the homes they love.

How can I help support Stair Lift for Vets?

There are many ways to support our mission. 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.
Charitable Donations
Proud Partners

Who installs the stair lifts?

There are many ways to support our mission. 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.
Charitable Donations
Proud Partners

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.
Proud Partners

Why should veterans choose Stair Lift for Vets?

Unlike traditional stair lift providers, StairLift for Vets is focused on giving veterans access to affordable mobility solutions through donated equipment. Our mission is to reduce falls, 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.