The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® awarded grants totaling more than $60,000 to 19 state and local REALTOR® associations through the Housing Opportunity Program this year.
The HOP grants program is a national effort to promote and expand affordable housing in communities across the nation. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than $660,000.
- Arcadia Association, Calif.: $1,000 to support a forum for elected officials for a discussion related to the community’s redevelopment plans.
- Akron Area Board, Ohio: $2,500 toward a consumer housing summit with the theme “Don’t Give Up the Dream.”
- Asheville Board, N.C.: $3,000 to create a free short sale and foreclosure prevention course for the public.
- Fredericksburg Area Association, Va.: $5,000 to support participation with several other local REALTOR® associations to create an online, interactive resource providing information about affordable housing programs, financing options, and best practices.
- Hays Board, Ky.: $2,000 to conduct a survey of community housing needs to determine the best use of land for additional housing development.
- Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®, Ill.: $3,000 toward a program, in partnership with a VA hospital, to provide security deposits for homeless veterans.
- San Mateo County Association, Calif.: $2,000 to present an educational workshop for first-time home buyers, which will explain the home buying process from start to finish.
- Santa Clara County Association, Calif.: $5,000 to fund and operate a foreclosure prevention center through a consortium of nonprofit housing agencies, the city, and local REALTOR® associations.
- West Metro Board, Ga.: $2,500 to work in conjunction with the city and housing authority to create a program to provide down payment assistance to qualified borrowers.
- Williamson County Association, Tenn.: $3,000 to create a Web site to inform the public about changes in the housing market, requirements for home ownership, and how to be a responsible property owner.
To learn about more programs and applying for assistance grants, visit nar.realtor.