Five Community Organizations Receive Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® Charitable Grants

CCIAOR was able to assist five local housing non-profit organizations in accessing $7,500 worth of grants from the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® (MAR) Charitable Foundation. The MAR Charitable Foundation awards grants to 501c3 organizations that Realtor® members work with to help those in need throughout Massachusetts. In order to be eligible to receive funds, the non-profit organization must work with a local Cape Cod or Islands-area REALTOR®. Most grants are given to organizations working in the housing or housing-related fields. These grants are made available to local organizations through CCIAOR, who facilitates the application process.

Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod - $1,500: Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod has developed over 150 affordable homes on Cape Cod. Local families help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Homes are deed-restricted to remain affordable in perpetuity. With the support of Habitat and community contributors, Habitat homeowners achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build a better life for themselves and their families. Funds from the grant will be utilized to help fund the cost of building materials and licensed contractors on upcoming Habitat home builds. Click here to learn more about Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod.

Harwich Ecumenical Council for the Homeless (HECH) - $1,500: HECH’s main mission is to develop compassionate solutions to homelessness problems for families – especially those with children – living in Harwich and the surrounding communities of Cape Cod. Funds from the MAR Charitable Foundation grant will be applied to the Libby Arnold Stevens Resident Stabilization Fund (RSF), which provides individuals and families on Cape Cod with one-time emergency assistance for rent or mortgage arrearages, utility payments or other qualifying housing-related needs. Since the start of COVID-19, RSF program requests have increased 266%. Funds from the grant will support the rent stabilization fund. The grant application was supported by CCIAOR member Pam Roberts of Sotheby's International Realty. Click here for more information on HECH.

Homeless Prevention Council - $1,500: Since its founding in 1991, the Homeless Prevention Council (HPC) has been a critical resource for Cape Codders in need and has helped more than 42,000 Lower Cape residents throughout their 30 year history. HPC works directly in the community with neighbors in need, providing support and resources to ensure that all in the community can thrive. HPC provides personalized case management to each client to help connect them with the resources needed to overcome challenges. Funds from the grant will be utilized to provide personalized case management to nearly 2,000 individuals. Application supported by Jen Whitaker of Gibson Sotheby's Realty. Click here for more information on the Homeless Prevention Council.

Martha's Vineyard Community Services - $1,500: Martha's Vineyard Community Services serves as the island's social services safety net, partnering with various organizations to create a healthier Martha's Vineyard. Children, families, teens and adults rely on MV Community Services for a broad range of services that support the overall health and well-being of the Island community including domestic and sexual violence services, disability services, youth and family services, veterans services, mental health services, senior services and more. Funds from this grant will support the operations of the organization including their services to the veteran community. Grant application supported by Peter Fyler of Splt Rock Real Estate. Click here for more information on Martha's Vineyard Community Services.

Vineyard House - $1,500: The Vineyard House provides housing for residents of Martha’s Vineyard in the early stages of recovery from alcohol or drug addiction. Vineyard House has fully-subsidized the rent for the 25 sober residents of their three properties who are working their program during the Covid-19 crisis when most employment options have not been available. The program operates year-round and plays a vital role in providing sober, affordable housing for islanders in recovery when they need it most. Funds from this grant will be used to subsidize rent for the organization's 25 residents, keeping the weekly rent at $130. The grant application was supported by Dawn Bellante Holland and Sandpiper Realty. Click here for more information on Vineyard House.

For more information on the MAR Charitable Grants program, please visit https://www.marealtor.com/about#charitable