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President Cunningham: REALTORS® Relief Foundation Provides Hope and Assistance in Times of Crisis

October 17, 2024 in Guest Columns

By Cindy Cunningham, 2024 KCRAR President

I’m sure many of you have seen the videos posted on Facebook by Leigh Brown, a fellow REALTOR® in North Carolina. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Leigh describes the lack of media coverage as stunning. Since the hurricane hit in late September, towns have flooded, destroying roads, bridges and homes, and lives have been lost across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

“We have lost entire TOWNS,” Leigh said. “Still recovering bodies. Some counties have been told 6-12 MONTHS for power. The need is not just there, it’s insane. The RRF [REALTORS® Relief Foundation] money will help particularly because it can be stacked with other assistance. These folks are going to need help for a LONG time.”

The REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF) is a charitable organization dedicated to providing housing-related financial assistance to victims of disasters in the United States. With a mission deeply rooted in the idea that home is a fundamental necessity, the foundation provides aid to those in need, ensuring that they can rebuild their lives and retain stable housing during challenging times.

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The primary goal of the REALTORS® Relief Foundation is to provide financial support for housing-related needs in the wake of a disaster. This includes helping with mortgage payments, rental costs, and other housing expenses for victims. In the aftermath of floods, hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes or even public health emergencies, RRF steps in to alleviate the financial strain on families who might otherwise face displacement or homelessness.

The foundation was established by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) just days after the attacks of 9/11. With an initial focus on helping the families of victims with housing costs, RRF’s efforts were quickly expanded to include disaster recovery across the nation. Over the years, RRF has provided millions of dollars in relief to thousands of families in various states, helping them maintain their homes during times of crisis.

One of the most powerful aspects of RRF’s work is its commitment to communities across the U.S. By collaborating with local real estate associations, state governments and other nonprofit organizations, RRF ensures that aid is distributed efficiently and effectively, reaching those who need it most.

RRF operates by pooling donations from real estate professionals, corporate partners and members of the public. All funds go directly toward housing-related relief. 100% of donations are allocated to victims, as administrative costs are covered by the National Association of REALTORS®, allowing every dollar donated to have a direct impact.

The REALTORS® Relief Foundation has consistently demonstrated its ability to respond swiftly to major disasters. In recent years, the foundation has provided relief after devastating wildfires in California, flooding in the Midwest, hurricanes in the Southeast and tornadoes in the Central U.S.

For those looking to contribute, the REALTORS® Relief Foundation accepts donations year-round through its website. Contributions are tax-deductible, and donors can be confident that 100% of their contributions will go directly to disaster relief efforts. For more information or to donate, visit the official REALTORS® Relief Foundation website, RRF.REALTOR

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