Dear CAR Member,
Two weeks ago, C.A.R.’s leadership team and I had an opportunity to tour Paradise, Calif., which was destroyed by a devastating wildfire last month. We went to offer our support and a day of holiday cheer for families, community members, and first responders who have been affected by the fires. We were happy to provide holiday treats and give out warm, cozy pajamas for children and adults. The officers and I met so many families who were in need of assistance. We spoke with people who saved up to retire in their dream home but now have nothing. Many REALTOR® members told us about their harrowing stories fleeing the fires. Words really can’t express what we witnessed.
The leadership team was also on hand to offer financial assistance grants to those directly affected by the fires. Thanks to a generous donation of $1 million by NAR’s REALTORS® Relief Foundation, as well as C.A.R., other state and local REALTOR® associations, and other contributors, C.A.R. is awarding housing assistance grants to homeowners and renters affected by the Camp, Woolsey, and Hill fires. Households can apply for up to $2,000 to provide assistance with mortgage relief or temporary housing, such as payments on the mortgage of a primary residence that was burned in a fire, lease, or rent payments on replacement housing, or payments to a temporary shelter.
Since the announcement of the grants earlier this week, we’ve received about 300 applications. If you or know anyone who has been affected by the fires and would like to apply for a grant, please apply online here or email disasterrelief@car.org.
During this holiday season, I also invite you to contribute to C.A.R.’s Disaster Relief Fund, which is used to help members of the REALTOR® family — REALTORS®, their staff, and Association members and their staff who have incurred a loss due to natural disasters. Through the generous support of members, local associations, affiliates and others donating to C.A.R.’s Disaster Relief Fund we’ve been able to provide much needed resources to those in need. Please help us continue this effort by making a tax-deductible donation to C.A.R.’s Disaster Relief Fund. To make your donation go further, C.A.R. has pledged to match up to $250,000 in donations.
Before I close, I want to tell you how excited I am to serve as your President in 2019. I hope you will join me and get involved with C.A.R. next year. I look forward to working with you!
Have a very safe and joyous holiday and a Happy New Year.
Sincerely,
Jared Martin
C.A.R. President