In July of 2023, Vermont experienced catastrophic flooding throughout the state. Hoffman Real Estate has always been active in our community, but recently Jenifer has set a goal to help in another way: raising money for the Realtors Relief Foundation. This fund is accessed when natural disasters destroy homes, providing relief and structure to those affected. Read on to learn about what RRF and Jenifer are doing to make sure that when disaster strikes, there’s help.

The Realtors Relief Foundation: A Lifeline in Times of Crisis

The RRF grants “housing-related assistance to disaster impacted communities through the generosity of REALTORS®, state and local associations and industry partners.” In 2023, RRF pledged $8M to help “housing relief to victims of hurricanes, floods, wildfires and other disasters.” Their annual fundraising goal for 2024 is $5M.

Jenifer recently established a personal fundraising page to support RRF. She set a big audacious goal of $10,000. This money will support RRF in the exceptional crisis assistance they provide to the American public.

A Formation From Necessity

Volunteers, including Realtors, helping at the site of a disaster.

In quick response to the terrorist attacks on the U.S. on September 11, 2001, the National Association of REALTORS® created the Realtors Relief Foundation. Their existing infrastructure, outstanding leadership and reputation allowed them to rally members and supporters.

Donors stood in solidarity with their neighbors, helping affected families rise from the rubble and ash. More than $8.4 million was raised within 100 days to provide “urgent housing-related assistance for those struggling in the aftermath. These funds ensured families were able to stay in their homes.

RRF covers the entire United States and its territories. When disaster strikes and housing is negatively impacted, the foundation steps up quickly to offer financial assistance to individuals in need. Regardless of what caused the disaster, RRF is a beacon of hope for those facing the harsh reality of losing their homes.

Choosing RRF Over Other Initiatives: A Personal Perspective

There are a lot of choices when it comes to charitable giving.

Why Donate to RRF?

Choosing where to donate is a personal decision, and Jenifer has a compelling reason for supporting RRF. The Foundation's nationwide coverage ensures that help reaches those who need it the most, regardless of location. Everyone needs a place to live, and RRF aims to restore the foundation and stability that housing provides to communities experiencing major disruption. For example, when tornadoes tore through Kentucky and wildfires burned LaHaina, Hawaii, the Realtors Relief Fund provided generous grants to aid individuals and families who lost their homes.

A timeline showing where RRF has helped since its formation in 2001

Personal Connection

The decision to fundraise for RRF is not merely a professional one but a deeply personal choice. When Vermont faced severe flooding last July, the Vermont Association of Realtors reached out to RRF for assistance. The response was immediate. RRF pledged $500,000 to help Vermonters in need. This act of generosity left a lasting impression on Jenifer, inspiring Hoffman Real Estate to donate funds and volunteer for an organization that stood by her homestate during devastating floods.

Even though Bennington was not affected by last summer’s epic flooding, they were hit during Hurricane Irene in 2011. Jenifer vividly remembers that storm; she watched it unfold. The Walloomsac River raged through town, and left a mess of debris and damage that took months to clean up. Since most of downtown Bennington is in a flood zone, her beloved hometown is always at risk of flooding again.

Jenifer sums up why this initiative is so important to her, saying, “I felt then what I still feel now, which is a wave of tears and gratitude that our national organization would be there to help us, little ole Vermont. Our state membership makes up 0.001% of the total national association, yet we were given generous consideration and an outpouring of support. Getting involved in the RRF Annual Campaign Contribution campaign was my way of giving back to this wonderful non-profit who was there during my home state's hour of need.”

Consider RRF for Your Charitable Donation

If you’d like to support this important initiative and help Jenifer reach her personal fundraising goal of $10,000, please donate through her personal fundraising page today!

Making a Difference: The Impact of Hoffman Real Estate's Fundraising Efforts