MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - When an ice storm left local resident stranded helpless in his driveway, the Meridian Township Fire Department knew it was time to step in and help, but not only by finding an immediate solution, but one that will last for years to come.

Currently the Meridian Township Fire Department is building a 24-by-30 foot garage to help Neal Langford, a handicapped resident to safely navigate to and from his home.

The project for the new garage includes putting up tresses, tying up a new roof to the existing one, side insulation, pouring concrete, and installing an overhead door.

And while it may sound like it wold cost a lot financially to build this garage, Meridian Township firefighter T.J. Booms says the project was completely funded by various donations and volunteers from places such as Home Depot, Burcham Services, and a Meridian outreach fund, all to make sure this resident could safely get around.

"Neal tries to live pretty independently and we've been out here several times trying to help him get unstuck somewhere, whether it be the driveway or somewhere out in the yard," Booms said. "We just thought this would help him continue live independently as well as a little bit safer."

As of now, Booms said concrete is still needed to complete the project. He says, if anyone out there is interested in making a donation, either financially or with labor, they should contact the Meridian Township Fire Department.

The garage is expected to be finished within four to five weeks.