By MICHELLE DAVIS 

The local effects of Hurricane Helene are still being sorted out. It will be that way for a while because Helene was the deadliest mainland US hurricane since Katrina. The number one focus now is rapid relief for victims. 

The storm ravages in our area were still happening when the Northeast Tennessee Association of Realtors® (NETAR) sprang into action as an information source on its social media sites. The posts were about evacuation orders, flash flooding warnings, blocked road information, and things like that. There was also an immediate rush to get bottled water, food and other items by individual Realtors® and their firms. It was a typica one-on-one community volunteer efforts that distinguishes Realtors® . 

At almost the same time, NETAR took the first steps to secure disaster relief from Realtors® Relief Foundation (RRF).   

In a matter of days, getting help from the Foundation was ready. The process begins with an application that can be downloaded via a link that’s available from NETAR and Association members. If applicants need assistance, they can contact NETAR by text or phone at 423.477.0040 or email at netar@netar.us. 

Storm victims needing help do not have to be Realtors®. RRF help is available to all affected victims. 

After completing the application and gathering the required documents, the applicants can email them to rrf@tnrealtors.com.  

Applicants must live in the following counties: Johnson, Unicoi, Cocke, Hawkins, Washington, Greene, Grainers, Hamblen, Carter, and Hawkins.  

The application deadline is Dec. 1.  

The Realtors® Relief Foundation (RRF). This nonprofit arm of the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and has been instrumental in providing housing-related help to victims of disasters across the country.  

One thing that makes the Foundation stand out from other relief organizations is every dollar donated goes directly to the victims of disasters because NAR covers 100% of the administrative expenses. 

 For over 20 years, the Foundation has been there to assist victims of natural disaster and to provide hope when people think there is none. Through tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, wildfires and more, RRF has helped families rebuild their homes and rebuild their lives. 

The Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit that exists to provide financial housing help to the public after disasters. In its 20 years of existence, more than $40 million in aid has helped over 20,000 families. RRF is supported by the Realtor® organization family. Local and state Realtor® associations partner with RRF as they mobilize the Realtors® in their locale to assist those in need when disasters strike.  

NETAR members are – as they have in the past – stepping up with new donations to help storm victims. But you don’t have to be a Realtor® to be part of the assistance. Nonmembers who recognize the power of having 100% of their donation go to victims can be part of the relief efforts. 

If you would like to make a donation to the Foundation, text “HeleneRelief24” to 71777. All donations made through Friday, October 11th, will go directly to the victims of Hurricane Helene.