Mobility equipment (manual wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, canes, crutches, transfer equipment), bathroom and personal care equipment (shower chairs, bath benches, raised toilet seats, commodes), bed and bedroom equipment (hospital beds, bed rails, bed assists), access and entry equipment (portable and modular ramps, threshold ramps), and adaptive aids (reachers, dressing aids, similar items). We do not currently accept oxygen tanks, custom prosthetics or orthotics, or items subject to manufacturer recall.

The same categories of equipment we accept. Availability fluctuates based on what's been donated. If we have what you need, we'll arrange to get it to you. If we don't, we'll be honest about that and may be able to suggest other resources.

If you are a Montana resident with a mobility, accessibility, or daily-living need that could be addressed by donated equipment, you qualify. There are no income requirements, no insurance verification, no eligibility paperwork.

Not at this time. BSILS is a program in development and does not yet have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS. We expect to establish that status (either through fiscal sponsorship under an existing nonprofit, or through independent incorporation) during the coming year. Until then, donations are not tax-deductible. We provide an acknowledgment of donation upon request, but it is not a tax receipt.

Reach out through the Contact page. We'll respond and arrange for you to either drop equipment off at our storage location, or for us to come pick it up. We complete a brief donation intake form when the equipment is transferred — it captures basic information about you and the items, but doesn't take long.

Reach out through the Contact page and let us know what's needed and the situation. We'll go through a short intake conversation — usually by phone or email — to understand what kind of equipment would help. If we have a match in inventory, we'll arrange handoff. If we don't, we'll let you know what other options we can suggest.

It depends on inventory and distance. Routine requests in Billings or Helena typically move within a few days to a couple of weeks. Time-sensitive situations (hospital discharge, post-surgical recovery) we try to address as fast as we can. Rural locations, complex situations, or requests for equipment we don't currently have on hand may take longer. We will tell you honestly what to expect when you contact us.

Yes — portable and modular aluminum ramps are part of our inventory, and ramp loans are a frequent part of our work. Ramp situations require a bit more conversation than other equipment because we need to understand the height of the entry, the available landing space, and the surface the ramp will sit on. We can do this assessment by phone with photos, or sometimes through a brief on-site visit, depending on the situation.

No. BSILS provides equipment at no cost. We do not bill insurance, do not file Medicare or Medicaid claims, and do not require payment from recipients. If you have insurance coverage that funds new equipment through a DME supplier, you may be better served through that channel — particularly for power wheelchairs, custom seating systems, or other equipment that requires fitting and ongoing service.

No. BSILS is a donated equipment matching program, not a clinical service. Volunteers and staff do not provide medical advice, prescriptions, or clinical recommendations. When a situation involves clinical questions, we refer to licensed providers (occupational therapists, physical therapists, physicians) for proper evaluation.

BSILS is based in Montana with current focus on Billings and Helena. We can often serve communities within reasonable travel of those cities. For more distant locations, we'll have an honest conversation about what's feasible — we may still be able to help, but logistics matter.

We welcome partnership conversations with healthcare organizations, social service agencies, veterans' groups, tribal health services, community organizations, and other equipment programs. Please reach out through the Contact page and let us know what you have in mind. We are happy to share program materials and arrange a conversation.

Several ways. Donate equipment you no longer need. Tell people in your network about the program if you know someone who might benefit or who has equipment to give. If you have professional skills relevant to nonprofit operations, equipment repair, or community outreach, get in touch about volunteer involvement. Once tax-deductible status is established, we will be able to accept cash donations as well; we'll update this page when that happens.