REALTOR Relief Fund Update

Posted at 1:51 PM, Sep. 8, 2005

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In a short time frame, the REALTOR Relief Fund has exceeded $2.5 million. For the latest NAR Press Release, see the posting in the Katrina Blog at

http://realtown.com/weblogs/entry.php?u=MKH&e_id=476

How will the Relief funds be distributed and who is directing that effort? For answers I contacted Pat Kaplan, President of the REALTOR Relief Foundation. Pat is a past Treasurer of NAR and longtime REALTOR from Portland, Oregon.

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Hi John:

Thanks for helping to get the word out to the REALTOR community on this

incredible Katrina disaster. I really appreciate the 'on the spot'

help Internet Crusade provides.

The REALTOR Relief Directors have had conference calls about every 48 hours since the disaster struck. In addition to raising funds, we have worked with the three impacted state EOs for immobilization efforts. Perhaps you have already seen this very recent press release.

We are referring people to the three state association web sites for specific help/volunteer/aid info. They have organized and have their applications ready and on-line. The three sites are:

http://www.larealtors.org/

http://www.msrealtors.org/

http://www.alabamarealtors.com/

Other states, such as Texas, have set up sites to help coordinate housing efforts for displaced survivors.

http://www.texasrealtors.com/web/1/housing/relief.htm

The issue of designating funds only to displaced REALTORS is a tough one. Technically, the REALTOR Relief Fund (RRF) cannot play a preference as it is a charitable foundation since it is a public foundation and donations are charitable donations. The core mission of the RRF is to provide 'housing funds' during a disaster. However, knowing the rules under which the RRF must play was the impetus for NAR's donation of $1 million from their budget (again, separate from the RRF). These funds can be used for REALTORS displaced. I understand the 3 states have also been receiving funds specially for this purpose.

In addition, the Foundation directors are working on a more long-term

plan to help displaced survivors. We know there will be requests from

REALTOR associations in the states that are receiving the survivors and

we are working toward a plan for that.

I hope this information is helpful.

My best,

Pat

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Pat G. Kaplan, CIPS, CRB, GRI, e-PRO

President, Realtor Relief Foundation

MailTo:PKAPLAN@realtors.org

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Thanks for the update, Pat.

John