by KERRVILLE, Texas — A national Realtors relief group has provided $500,000 to help local Realtors in Texas provide support to those whose lives have been upended because of the flooding in the southern central part of the state earlier this month.
The Realtors Relief Foundation said the effort will allow eight local Texas Realtors associations to provide funds to help with disaster victims’ housing payments during the relief and recovery effort.
“Following the tragic floods in Texas, we at the National Association of Realtors and the Realtors Relief Foundation are heartbroken at the lives lost and the communities devastated,” said RRF President Greg Hrabcak. “We know that the recovery efforts will take time and commitment, and we are working closely with Texas Realtors and local Realtor associations to make sure that the $500,000 we are providing goes toward supporting communities in areas affected by the flooding. NAR and RRF stand with Texans today, tomorrow and in the months and years to come as we rebuild together.”
CBS News reported that the flash floods that hit Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July holiday weekend killed more than 130, including girls attending a summer camp.
The station said that this region is prone to flash flooding because of the dry soil conditions that keep rain from soaking into the ground. It also noted that an area of cliffs and steep hills known as the Balcones Escarpment also is a factor because rain flows downhill quickly and from many different directions.
Since 2001, RRF has disbursed more than $50 million in aid to more than 26,000 families in the U.S. and five territories. The National Association of Realtors said it covers all administrative costs, ensuring 100% of all funds collected are distributed directly to disaster relief causes.
The RRF was created immediately in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Since then, the aid it has provided has benefited more than 26,000 families. In addition, the organization noted, the National Association of Realtors said it covers all administrative costs to make sure all the funds collected go directly to disaster relief.
