In the wake of the historic floods which swept through southern Louisiana, the Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors (GCAR) is putting into place an ongoing donation effort to provide needed support for not only the recent flood victims, but also future survivors of natural disasters and terrorist attacks. As part of a long-term commitment to the cause, GCAR will be donating $5,000 each year to the Realtors Relief Foundation (RRF)— with 100 percent of funds going toward disaster relief efforts.
“As both realtors and responsible citizens, one of our primary roles is that of a good neighbor,” said Nathan Walldorf, GCAR president. “Regardless of where and when relief efforts are needed, we want to play a part in helping communities rebuild, families heal and homes become that much stronger. This is one way we can do that on an ongoing basis.”
The Realtors Relief Foundation was first launched by the National Association of Realtors in 2001 within hours of the September 11 terrorist attacks— raising more than $8.4 million to help surviving family members remain in their homes. Since then, more than $25 million have been raised for victims of disasters, providing housing-related and other needed assistance.
With more than an estimated 60,000 houses left damaged by the devastating Louisiana floods and an aftermath compared by some to that of Hurricane Katrina, the Realtors Relief Foundation has recently committed up to $350,000 to assist the thousands of residents now displaced from their homes. Donations from local realtor associations—like GCAR— and from individual donors are playing a significant role in the RRF’s response to this mounting housing crisis.
Beyond GCAR’s pledged annual contribution, local realtors also contribute to the Foundation’s annual online silent auction at the time of the Realtors Conference & Expo, which raises funds for the organization’s relief efforts.
For more information about the Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors, visit www.GCAR.net or visit GCAR on Facebook and Twitter.