Greater Chattanooga Realtors announced new resources allocated for Hamilton County residents and Realtor members affected by the April 12-13 tornadoes. The funds come from the National Association of Realtors and their Realtor Relief Fund (RRF).
The National Association of Realtors approved up to $200,000 through the RRF to help victims of the April 12-13 tornadoes. The RRF was established to provide housing-related assistance to victims of disasters. Over 18 years, the foundation has collected and distributed more than $32 million in aid for some 80 disasters in 39 states and territories since it launched after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Since then, it’s helped more than 13,000 families. Every dollar goes directly to victims of disaster.
Brandi Pearl Thompson, 2020 president of Greater Chattanooga Realtors, wants those affected to know that this assistance is available. She said, “We are thankful to have these funds available to help some in our community get started on the long, hard path back to recovery. We love our community, and myself and other Realtors are doing all we can to help these families rebuild their lives.”
To apply for funds, applicants should visit gcar.net/disaster-relief, and click on the state of their primary residence. Each household can apply for up to $1,000 to help cover mortgage or rent payments. A list of other resources for disaster relief can also be found there. Annually, the Greater Chattanooga Realtors donates $5,000 to RRF, and Greater Chattanooga Realtors also participates in a National Code of Ethics Day class, for which the goal (in addition to ethics training) is to raise awareness of the RRF.
The funds are open to all affected in Hamilton County, not just realtors. Ms. Thompson said, “We never know when a disaster will strike ourselves or our neighbors, and housing assistance is needed. That’s why the RRF is so important."
Donations to the RRF are accepted all year. Those interested can donate by visiting www.gcar.net/disaster-relief. The National Association of Realtors covers 100% of administrative expenses. Anyone (not limited to realtors) whose primary residence was damaged by the April 12-13 tornadoes can apply at gcar.net. Only one application per household. Apply by July 31.