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Local Association Activities and Resources |
QUICKLINKS
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What are some of the programs that local associations of REALTORS® are
providing in their own communities?
Lake Pleasant Regional Association of REALTORS® Coordinates the ‘Senior Empowerment and Housing Needs Project II, 2005’ began in January. Our 12 member volunteer committee consists of Realtors®, Affiliates and Community Organizations.
With 5000 Seniors in Sun City, living below the poverty level, the goal of the Lake Pleasant Regional Association of Realtors® is to preserve low income home ownership, to revitalize the neighborhoods, and provide a safe environment while allowing the home owners to maintain their dignity and independence.
Our first step was to develop an application process to reach the community (see attached) and where to distribute them. They were given to senior centers, hospitals, fire department, library, homeowners association, banks, churches, thrift store, new agent orientation manuals, civic organizations and real estate offices. A deadline for receiving the completed applications was May 30, 2005. Any work, other than safety issues, would be completed in conjunction with ‘National Make a Difference Day’ on October 22, 2005.
Our second step was financial. Our fundraising chair sent letters to each Broker requesting one person from their office willing to work as a liaison between the Committee and their office. A donation letter was created for Realtors® , affiliates and vendors. The form for Realtors® allowed them the opportunity to devote a dollar amount from each real estate transaction to the project. Each homeowner would receive a thank you letter from LPRAR informing them that a donation was made on their behalf by their Realtor®. Donation letters were mailed to the Westside Food Bank, United Way, Elks Lodge, Knights of Columbus, AARP, Foundation for Senior Living, American Red Cross, Rotary, Habitat for Humanity and the Lions Club. To date we have received $7000 from individual Realtors® and an additional $27,500 in donations from brokers, affiliates and civic organizations.
In April we began a publicity campaign by inviting two local newspapers to our monthly meeting, writing articles for the Chamber of Commerce and the LPRAR Newsletter. Realtors® began including information about the project in their individual advertising, using sign riders stating they were a ‘Proud Supporter of the Senior Housing Project’, information distributed at Open Houses, and adding information to their web page. A letter was sent to Governor Napolitano inviting her to join us on “National Make a Difference Day.”
For every application received, the Sun City Fire Department met with each homeowner to perform a Safety Survey. Any applicant that was in need of grab bars, smoke detectors, or accessible ramps was given immediate priority. We have received 30 applications requesting our services for painting, landscaping, and small home repairs. Site visits have been made to each home to determine the scope of work and the number of volunteers required to complete the job. We are in the process of sending letters to each homeowner congratulating them on being selected for this years project.
The project has received recognition from USA Today, NAR, American Society of Associated Executive, Governor Napolitano.
Contact information for program information:
Senior Empowerment Program Sample Documents
Prescott Area Association of REALTORS ® Holds fundraisers and regularly contributes to Habitat for Humanity. Contact: Karla Roberts, 928-778-7390
Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS®. Has donated funds to the "One Scottsdale Project;” made a three-year financial commitment to financially support Habitat for Humanity Desert Foothills; supports the national "Make A Difference Day" on October 23rd by distributing "Lockboxes for Seniors;” will continue to work with Fannie Mae to sponsor a homeownership roundtable and mini-fair for 2005 and will support and participate in the upcoming “Housing Arizona’s Workforce” program. Contacts: Holly Eslinger, 480-221-9024; Ron Roberts, 480-348-3970; and Jobi Rosen, 480-451-1000
Sedona Verde Valley Association of REALTORS® Conducts ongoing homebuyer seminars, with between 35-65 attending; participating with the Department of Housing by providing information about the Homes for Arizonans down payment assistance program, which allows them to offer training classes, which are a pre-requisite for applying for the program, in Cottonwood. Future plans include planning for lockboxes for the elderly, repairs for low-income and elderly, and working with Habitat for Humanity. Contact: Mary Cravets, 928-634-9536
SouthEast Valley Regional Association of REALTORS® 1) participates with Habitat for Humanity; 2) involved with Life Skills Education in the Tempe schools; 3) participates in Helping Homeless Vets. Contact: Deanna Kiester, 480-777-5900
Tucson Association of REALTORS® Conducts home buyer seminars monthly at different locations throughout Tucson. Contact: Cheryl Terpening 520-886-8282
White Mountain Association of REALTORS® Contributed funds to the Arizona REALTORS® Housing Needs Foundation. Contact: Arthur Crozier, 928-369-4000
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