Awards include $13,000 for projects in Central Oregon — $5,000 to Sisters Habitat for Humanity, $3,000 for First Story in Bend and $5,000 for Neighborimpact HomeSource in Redmond.
With the announcement of grants totaling $179,796 to be distributed in 2017, the Oregon Association of REALTORS HOME Foundation has surpassed $1 million in financial assistance statewide to help Oregonians in need realize the American Dream of owning a home.
The HOME Foundation — Home Ownership Made Easier — was established by OAR in 2004 as a way for Oregon REALTOR® members to give back to their communities.
“We are proud to hit this significant milestone,” said OAR President George Grabenhorst, a real estate broker in Salem. “Despite their best efforts, far too many people in today’s workforce still can’t afford the American Dream. We understand that homes stabilize families, and we want that to be achievable for more Oregonians.”
Over the past dozen years, the Foundation has grown from giving $12,000 in its first year to over $165,000 in each of the past two years. The total dispersed now stands at $1,107,795. Amongst many organizations, Habitat for Humanity chapters across the state have been frequent recipients of OAR HOME Foundation grants.
“We are delighted to celebrate this important milestone with the OAR HOME Foundation,” said Shannon Vilhauer, Executive Director of Habitat of Humanity of Oregon. “Today Habitat for Humanity is hard at work building and repairing homes in 30 communities across our state. Oregon REALTORS® serve as Habitat for Humanity board members, secure key donations and help build homes. We are truly grateful for their partnership and support.”
The HOME Foundation is funded by individual donations from Oregon REALTOR® members statewide as well as through annual flagship events such as the Driving It HOME golf tournament in July and The Taste of Portland in September.
Additionally, events held in local communities, such as the Rogue Valley Association of REALTORS® Food & Wine Classic every March, raise money that stays in their local areas.
The Oregon Association of REALTORS® HOME Foundation is a 501(c)3 charity that provides financial resources to create, expand, and encourage home ownership opportunities for Oregonians at or below local median income. It also promotes awareness of affordable housing issues by educating Oregonians and their representatives about the barriers to home ownership and the resources needed to increase housing affordability.
