Hurricanes Helene and Milton dealt a one-two punch to much of Florida over the last two weeks. Days after Milton passed over the peninsula, leaving a swath of destruction over much of the state, the extent of the damage was only just coming into view. 

As rescue crews continued to respond to calls for help and tens of thousands of linemen set about restoring electricity to millions left without power, Realtor organizations kicked into gear soliciting donations and providing aid. 

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Relief Foundation provides housing-related assistance to those impacted by disasters through donations from individual Realtors, as well as state and local organizations. NAR covers the cost of administering the aid, so every dollar donated goes directly to victims.  

As of Oct 11, the foundation had raised over $500,000 for victims of Hurricane Helene, which hit Florida, Georgia and South Carolina but dealt a particularly devastating blow to Western North Carolina. 

On a more local level, Florida REALTORS® has activated its Disaster Relief Fund, which is available to Realtors and their employees who suffered damage from the storms. Applicants must have been Realtors before the disaster and their primary residence or real estate office must have sustained serious physical damage, including flooding. 

Aid is available on the individual and the office levels. Applications for grants from the fund are being accepted through April 10, 2025. Donations can be made here.