In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on upper East Tennessee and Western North Carolina, communities are rallying together to support relief efforts. Here at Greater Chattanooga Realtors, members have been donating crucial supplies to help support this mission.
Another way you can make a significant difference is by contributing to the Realtors Relief Foundation, which provides housing-related assistance directly to those affected by disasters like Hurricane Helene.
RRF ensures that 100% of all donations go directly to victims, as they absorb all administrative costs. Donations can be made easily by texting HeleneRelief24 to 71777 or by visiting bit.ly/HeleneRelief.
Realtors from all over the United States have also joined the efforts. Melissa Dittman Tracey from Realtor Magazine reports that NAR members and Realtor associations are raising funds, organizing donation drives, and helping cleanup efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
As Florida braced for Hurricane Milton, the second major storm in a week to put the Sunshine State in its crosshairs, communities across six states were still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Real estate professionals rushed to help storm victims by organizing donation drives, helping displaced residents salvage their belongings, and even taking part in helicopter rescue missions.
Donations for the victims have poured in nationwide, The RRF has raised $526,000 as of Oct. 9 for housing-related assistance for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
“From the moment Hurricane Helene made landfall, Realtors were taking action to help,” says RRF President Mike McGew. “The response to the RRF’s Hurricane Helene Relief Fund has been heartwarming and impactful, as more than 1,200 donors have provided help to families for recovery and rebuilding. Realtors not only help families find a home, but they also help them return home.”
Real estate professionals are “deeply connected to the communities they serve,” says Tennessee Realtors President Regina Hubbard. “For many of our members, this devastation and damage is in their own backyards – the neighborhoods in which they grew up, the churches they attend, the roadways they travel.”
Communities in East Tennessee were among those ravaged by massive flooding and storm damage.
“These are their communities that need help,” Hubbard continues. “As Realtors, we see our communities, and especially other Realtors, as family. So, helping out and giving back is something we’re passionate about, and I’m proud to see the overwhelming support from throughout our state.”
For those looking to provide immediate support through tangible items, we are accepting supply donations at 2963 Amnicola Highway from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. A list of suggested items can be found pinned on our Facebook page, making it easy to gather what is most needed.
We would also like to thank all those that have donated and have delivered those supplies to those in need. By coming together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those struggling to recover from this disaster. #ThatsWhoWeR
Founded in 1912, Greater Chattanooga Realtors is the voice for real estate in Greater Chattanooga. A regional organization with more than 2,700 members, Greater Chattanooga Realtors serves Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee and Catoosa, Dade and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. The association is one of approximately 1,100 local associations and board of Realtors nationwide that comprise the National Association of Realtors. Greater Chattanooga Realtors owns and operates a multiple listing service that is one of approximately 600 MLSs in the country and that services more than 3,000 users. Local association membership is comprised of Realtors who are servicing the Greater Chattanooga area and specializing in a variety of disciplines, including appraisal, commercial, industrial, land, multi-family, property management and residential. Working alongside Realtors are our affiliate members, who represent related industries in sympathy with the objectives of the association. Our affiliate members include mortgage lenders, home inspectors, title and closing services, pest inspection and control and insurance.