Greater Chattanooga Realtor members handing out supplies after the April tornadoes are shown from left, are Robert Backer, John Kelly, Geoff Ramsey, Travis Close, Gavin Close (student), and Brandi Pearl Thompson.
- photo by Holly Hicks
Greater Chattanooga Realtors distributed more than $75,000 to victims of the April tornadoes in the area.
Through the Realtor Relief Fund, 85 applicants received a total of $75,604.88 towards their mortgage or rent.
“Through this fund, 85 families were helped.
That’s 85 families who received housing assistance,” said Brandi Pearl Thompson, 2020 Greater Chattanooga Realtors president. She said, “The funds can’t fix everything, but we are glad to provide whatever support we can to the victims of these terrible storms,” said Thompson.
“Having to deal with the aftermath of a tornado during a pandemic is unthinkable," said Robert Backer, 2020 Greater Chattanooga Realtors president-elect. “As realtors, we want to serve the community that we love so much. We hope this helps these 85 families get on their feet,” said Backer.
The National Association of Realtors first launched the Realtors Relief Fund in 2001, within hours of the devastating Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks—raising more than $8.4 million to provide assistance so that surviving family members could stay in their homes. Since then, more than $32 million has been raised for victims of disasters, including wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes. Today, RRF exists to provide housing-related assistance to victims of disasters and for other charitable purposes.